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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 7, 1988 · Piper PA-28-180 · N4873T

Racine, WV

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Racine, WV
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N4873T
Operator
Richard Doellein
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO88LA073

THE PILOT WAS ON THE FIRST LEG OF A FERRY FLIGHT TO WEST GERMANY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT 30 MILES FROM CHARLESTON WHEN THE PILOT NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGES INDICATED ABOUT 5 & 11 GALS RESPECTIVELY REMAINING IN THE LEFT & RIGHT FUEL TANKS. HE PROCEEDED TO CHARLESTON, WHILE SWITCHING TANK POSITIONS, BEFORE FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED ABOUT 15 MILES FROM CHARLESTON. HE MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A ROAD WITH THE RIGHT WING STRIKING A POWER LINE DURING THE LANDING APPROACH. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THE TANKS WERE EMPTY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN EXTRA FUEL TANK WITH A 28 GAL CAPACITY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AIRBORNE ABOUT EIGHT HOURS.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT WAS ON THE FIRST LEG OF A FERRY FLIGHT TO WEST GERMANY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT 30 MILES FROM CHARLESTON WHEN THE PILOT NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGES INDICATED ABOUT 5 & 11 GALS RESPECTIVELY REMAINING IN THE LEFT & RIGHT FUEL TANKS. HE PROCEEDED TO CHARLESTON, WHILE SWITCHING TANK POSITIONS, BEFORE FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED ABOUT 15 MILES FROM CHARLESTON. HE MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A ROAD WITH THE RIGHT WING STRIKING A POWER LINE DURING THE LANDING APPROACH. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THE TANKS WERE EMPTY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN EXTRA FUEL TANK WITH A 28 GAL CAPACITY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AIRBORNE ABOUT EIGHT HOURS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportYEAGER (0nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length4750 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN4873T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard Doellein
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data