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NTSB Report
April 19, 1988 · Piper PA-31-350 · N59981
Henderson, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Incident
Date
April 19, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Henderson, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-31-350
Tail Number
N59981
Operator
Air Exchange
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
FTW88IA092
THE PILOT EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF POWER FROM THE LEFT ENGINE AND A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER FROM THE RIGHT ENGINE DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE MAIN FUEL TANKS ON WHICH THE ENGINES WERE OPERATING WERE FOUND EMPTY BUT THERE WAS AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY IN THE AUXILIARY TANKS. ALTHOUGH OPERATING IN IFR CONDITIONS, THE PILOT ACCOMPLISHED A SAFE LANDING ON AN AIRPORT. TESTS SHOWED ERRONEOUS FUEL FLOW INDICATIONS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL FLOAT SENSORS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT EXPERIENCED TOTAL LOSS OF POWER FROM THE LEFT ENGINE AND A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER FROM THE RIGHT ENGINE DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE MAIN FUEL TANKS ON WHICH THE ENGINES WERE OPERATING WERE FOUND EMPTY BUT THERE WAS AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY IN THE AUXILIARY TANKS. ALTHOUGH OPERATING IN IFR CONDITIONS, THE PILOT ACCOMPLISHED A SAFE LANDING ON AN AIRPORT. TESTS SHOWED ERRONEOUS FUEL FLOW INDICATIONS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL FLOAT SENSORS.
Flight
Event TypeIncident
Event Time21:08 CDT
Nearest AirportRusk County (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-31-350
Tail NumberN59981
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorAir Exchange
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-J2BD · Reciprocating · 350
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind310° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:18
Weather SourceWFAC