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NTSB Report
July 6, 1989 · Piper PA-30B-160 · N8212Y
Merced, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Merced, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-30B-160
Tail Number
N8212Y
Operator
Larry a Lamb
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA230
AFTER FILLING THE ACFT FUEL TANKS, THE PILOT TOOKOFF FOR HIS RETURN FLIGHT TO HIS HOME ARPT. THE RIGHT ENGINE LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION APPROXIMATELY 50 NAUITICAL MILES FROM HIS DESTINATION. THE PILOT TURNED TOWARDS AN APRT IN HIS VICINITY. AS THE ACFT APPROACHED THE RWY OF INTENDED LANDING THE LEFT ENGINE LOST POWER. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN ABOUT ONE HALF MILE SHORT OF THE RWY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.
Full Narrative
AFTER FILLING THE ACFT FUEL TANKS, THE PILOT TOOKOFF FOR HIS RETURN FLIGHT TO HIS HOME ARPT. THE RIGHT ENGINE LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION APPROXIMATELY 50 NAUITICAL MILES FROM HIS DESTINATION. THE PILOT TURNED TOWARDS AN APRT IN HIS VICINITY. AS THE ACFT APPROACHED THE RWY OF INTENDED LANDING THE LEFT ENGINE LOST POWER. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN ABOUT ONE HALF MILE SHORT OF THE RWY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:07 PDT
Nearest AirportMerced Muni (0nm N)
Runway30
Runway Length5903 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-30B-160
Tail NumberN8212Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLarry a Lamb
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-B1A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind330° @ 3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time04:55
Weather SourceWFAC