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NTSB Report
August 9, 1986 · Piper PA-38 · N9148A
Elko, NV
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elko, NV
Aircraft
Piper PA-38
Tail Number
N9148A
Operator
Sunwest Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA86LA200
PLT EXECUTED FORCED LNDG FOLLOWING PWR LOSS ON INITIAL CLIMB. ACFT TANKS (16 GAL CAP EA) HAD BEEN TOPPED TWO HOURS PRIOR, FUEL RECEIPT SHOWS 16.6 ADDED, REFUELER RECALLED ABT 8 GALS ADDED PER TANK. PLT CHECKED VISUALLY AND ON GAGES DURING PREFLIGHT. POST-CRASH, OPERATOR REPORTED FINDING ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL FWD OF SELECTOR (ENGINE FUEL STARVATION), 16 GALS IN RT TANK, 3 GALS IN LEFT TANK, NO LEAKS IN FUEL SYSTEM. ENGINE TEST RUN NORMAL. REPORTED FACTS ARE IN CONFLICT REGARDING FULL FUEL AND FINDING OF 3 GALS IN LEFT TANK WITH NO LEAKAGE. ANALYSIS PROVIDES NO SCENARIO WHICH WILL FIT REPORTED FACTS, EVEN IF UNDETECTED POST-CRASH FUEL LEAK DRAINED LEFT TANK TO 3 GALS. EXTREME (9500 FT) DENS ATL APPARENTLY NOT A FACTOR. PWR LOSS DUE TO ENGINE FUEL STARVATION FOR UNDETERMINED REASON.
Full Narrative
PLT EXECUTED FORCED LNDG FOLLOWING PWR LOSS ON INITIAL CLIMB. ACFT TANKS (16 GAL CAP EA) HAD BEEN TOPPED TWO HOURS PRIOR, FUEL RECEIPT SHOWS 16.6 ADDED, REFUELER RECALLED ABT 8 GALS ADDED PER TANK. PLT CHECKED VISUALLY AND ON GAGES DURING PREFLIGHT. POST-CRASH, OPERATOR REPORTED FINDING ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL FWD OF SELECTOR (ENGINE FUEL STARVATION), 16 GALS IN RT TANK, 3 GALS IN LEFT TANK, NO LEAKS IN FUEL SYSTEM. ENGINE TEST RUN NORMAL. REPORTED FACTS ARE IN CONFLICT REGARDING FULL FUEL AND FINDING OF 3 GALS IN LEFT TANK WITH NO LEAKAGE. ANALYSIS PROVIDES NO SCENARIO WHICH WILL FIT REPORTED FACTS, EVEN IF UNDETECTED POST-CRASH FUEL LEAK DRAINED LEFT TANK TO 3 GALS. EXTREME (9500 FT) DENS ATL APPARENTLY NOT A FACTOR. PWR LOSS DUE TO ENGINE FUEL STARVATION FOR UNDETERMINED REASON.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 PDT
Nearest AirportELKOMUNI (1nm WNW)
Runway23
Runway Length6400 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-38
Tail NumberN9148A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSunwest Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point11 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:51
Weather SourceWFAC