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NTSB Report
November 11, 1990 · Piper PA-28-161 · N2972D
Saxton, PA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 11, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Saxton, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N2972D
Operator
Brown Flying School
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC91LA026
THE CFI AND PRIVATE RATED STUDENT PILOT FILED AN IFR FLIGHT PLAN AND DEPARTED ON AN INSTRUCTIONAL CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WITH AN INOPERATIVE VACUUM PUMP. WHILE EN ROUTE TO THE PLANNED DESTINATION, THE PILOTS ENCOUNTERED SNOW SHOWER AND DIVERTED TOWARDS ALTOONA, PA. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SURGE AND LOSE POWER. THE CFI GAINED A MOMENTARY RESTORATION OF POWER WITH THE CARBURETOR HEAT APPLIED; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AGAIN AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN A DENSELY WOODED AREA AT NIGHT. POST ACCIDENT EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS OVER 3/4 FULL. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE RIGHT TANK POSITION.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AND THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE CFI'S INADEQUATE EXECUTION OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.
Full Narrative
THE CFI AND PRIVATE RATED STUDENT PILOT FILED AN IFR FLIGHT PLAN AND DEPARTED ON AN INSTRUCTIONAL CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WITH AN INOPERATIVE VACUUM PUMP. WHILE EN ROUTE TO THE PLANNED DESTINATION, THE PILOTS ENCOUNTERED SNOW SHOWER AND DIVERTED TOWARDS ALTOONA, PA. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SURGE AND LOSE POWER. THE CFI GAINED A MOMENTARY RESTORATION OF POWER WITH THE CARBURETOR HEAT APPLIED; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AGAIN AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN A DENSELY WOODED AREA AT NIGHT. POST ACCIDENT EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS OVER 3/4 FULL. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE RIGHT TANK POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:40 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN2972D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBrown Flying School
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 24 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 38 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO