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NTSB Report
July 13, 1986 · Piper PA-28R-201 · N3731T
Benson, MN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Benson, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-201
Tail Number
N3731T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA169
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE RAN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK DRY BEFORE SWITCHING TO THE LEFT TANK IN CRUISE FLIGHT. ON FINAL APPROACH FOR A LANDING THE ENGINE BEGAN TO FALTER AND QUIT RUNNING SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LANDED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY GEAR UP IN ROUGH TERRAIN AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. AN EXAMINATION OF BOTH FUEL TANKS FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT REVEALED APPROXIMATELY ONE QUART OF FUEL IN THE RIGHT TANK ONLY. THE FUEL GAGES WERE TESTED AND PROVED TO BE ACCURATE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE RAN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK DRY BEFORE SWITCHING TO THE LEFT TANK IN CRUISE FLIGHT. ON FINAL APPROACH FOR A LANDING THE ENGINE BEGAN TO FALTER AND QUIT RUNNING SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LANDED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY GEAR UP IN ROUGH TERRAIN AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. AN EXAMINATION OF BOTH FUEL TANKS FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT REVEALED APPROXIMATELY ONE QUART OF FUEL IN THE RIGHT TANK ONLY. THE FUEL GAGES WERE TESTED AND PROVED TO BE ACCURATE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest AirportBONSON (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28R-201
Tail NumberN3731T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-BIE · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC