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NTSB Report
September 2, 1989 · Piper PA-24-250 · N5210P
Hickory, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hickory, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N5210P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA206
THE AIRPLANE LOST ENGINE POWER DURING CRUISE FLIGHT FOLLOWED BY A FORCED LANDING ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT SEVEN MILES FROM THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A FENCE POST. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD MADE THE TRIP PREVIOUSLY WITHOUT REFUELING. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSUMED 11.4 GALLONS OF FUEL PER HOUR. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY WITH NO FUEL STAINS NOTED ON THE WINGS. THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR THE ENGINE INDICATED THAT THE ANTICIPATED FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS HIGHER THAN THE PILOT'S EXPECTATIONS.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY MONITOR THE ENGINE FUEL CONSUMPTION IN FLIGHT.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE LOST ENGINE POWER DURING CRUISE FLIGHT FOLLOWED BY A FORCED LANDING ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT SEVEN MILES FROM THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A FENCE POST. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD MADE THE TRIP PREVIOUSLY WITHOUT REFUELING. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSUMED 11.4 GALLONS OF FUEL PER HOUR. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY WITH NO FUEL STAINS NOTED ON THE WINGS. THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR THE ENGINE INDICATED THAT THE ANTICIPATED FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS HIGHER THAN THE PILOT'S EXPECTATIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN5210P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1A · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC