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NTSB Report
September 8, 1988 · Piper PA-32-260 · N9346C
Watertown, WI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 8, 1988
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (3 serious injuries, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Watertown, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N9346C
Operator
Air Water Town
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI88LA232
THE PILOT PLANNED A CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP WITH PASSENGERS AND BECAUSE OF THEIR WEIGHT, HE ELECTED TO NOT FILL THE OUTBOARD TANKS WITH FUEL. HE TOOK OFF WITH THE EMPTY RIGHT OUTBOARD TANK SELECTED AND FUEL STARVATION OCCURRED AT 200' AGL. THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID POWER LINES AND TREES WHEN THE ACFT STALLED AND DESCENDED TO TERRAIN IMPACT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S IMPROPER SELECTION OF THE FUEL TANK, AND HIS SUBSEQUENT FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT PLANNED A CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP WITH PASSENGERS AND BECAUSE OF THEIR WEIGHT, HE ELECTED TO NOT FILL THE OUTBOARD TANKS WITH FUEL. HE TOOK OFF WITH THE EMPTY RIGHT OUTBOARD TANK SELECTED AND FUEL STARVATION OCCURRED AT 200' AGL. THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID POWER LINES AND TREES WHEN THE ACFT STALLED AND DESCENDED TO TERRAIN IMPACT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN9346C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAir Water Town
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary5 injuries (3 serious injuries, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 12 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:40
Weather SourceWFAC