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NTSB Report
September 20, 1989 · Piper PA-22 · N3015Z
Winkelman, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Winkelman, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-22
Tail Number
N3015Z
Operator
Forsyth Robert E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA316
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DURING A NIGHT FLT, HE HAD DIFFICULTY FINDING HIS DESTINATION. SUBSEQUENTLY, HIS FUEL DECREASED & HE ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD. DURING THE APCH TO LAND, THE AIRPLANE RAN OUT OF FUEL. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, IT HIT A BUSH & NOSED OVER.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AFTER HE BECAME LOST/DISORIENTED, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION, BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS, THE PILOT'S LACK OF VISUAL CUES AT NIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT'S LOW FUEL LEVEL, AND THE TERRAIN CONDITION (HIGH VEGETATION/BUSHES) IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DURING A NIGHT FLT, HE HAD DIFFICULTY FINDING HIS DESTINATION. SUBSEQUENTLY, HIS FUEL DECREASED & HE ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD. DURING THE APCH TO LAND, THE AIRPLANE RAN OUT OF FUEL. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, IT HIT A BUSH & NOSED OVER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:40 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22
Tail NumberN3015Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorForsyth Robert E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO