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NTSB Report
July 31, 1985 · Piper PA-28-181 · N8503E
Eureka, WI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 31, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
Eureka, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N8503E
Operator
Taylorcraft Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85FA325
PRIOR TO TAKEOFF THE PILOT CALCULATED THAT WITH 48 GALLONS OF FUEL HE COULD MAKE THE FOUR HOUR FLIGHT TO OSHKOSH WITH ONE HOUR OF FUEL TO SPARE. UPON ARRIVING AT A POINT 25 MI SW OF OSHKOSH HE RECEIVED A REQUEST TO DESCEND 1200 FT, A REQUEST TO CLIMB 1200 FT AND A REQUEST TO CHANGE HEADING NUMBEROUS TIMES. HE COMPLIED WITH THESE REQUESTS WHICH WERE NECESSARY TO WORK HIM INTO THE TRAFFIC FLOW WHICHWAS CONGESTED DUE TO THE ANNUAL EAA FLY-IN. HIS ENGINE BEGAN TO FAIL DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND HE PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING WHICH SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE AIRCRAFT. FAA PERSONNEL STATED THAT IF THE PILOT WOULD HAVE WARNED THEM ABOUTHIS FUEL STATE BEFORE THE ENGINE BEGAN TO FAIL, THEY WOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM A MORE DIRECT ROUTING TO THE RUNWAY.
Full Narrative
PRIOR TO TAKEOFF THE PILOT CALCULATED THAT WITH 48 GALLONS OF FUEL HE COULD MAKE THE FOUR HOUR FLIGHT TO OSHKOSH WITH ONE HOUR OF FUEL TO SPARE. UPON ARRIVING AT A POINT 25 MI SW OF OSHKOSH HE RECEIVED A REQUEST TO DESCEND 1200 FT, A REQUEST TO CLIMB 1200 FT AND A REQUEST TO CHANGE HEADING NUMBEROUS TIMES. HE COMPLIED WITH THESE REQUESTS WHICH WERE NECESSARY TO WORK HIM INTO THE TRAFFIC FLOW WHICHWAS CONGESTED DUE TO THE ANNUAL EAA FLY-IN. HIS ENGINE BEGAN TO FAIL DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND HE PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING WHICH SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE AIRCRAFT. FAA PERSONNEL STATED THAT IF THE PILOT WOULD HAVE WARNED THEM ABOUTHIS FUEL STATE BEFORE THE ENGINE BEGAN TO FAIL, THEY WOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM A MORE DIRECT ROUTING TO THE RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN8503E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTaylorcraft Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO