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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 7, 2002 · Piper PA-18-150 · N4013E

Houston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 7, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N4013E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW02LA078

The pilot checked that both tanks were full and the fuel selector was in the right tank position prior to the banner tow flight. After having flown for "almost an hour," the pilot observed the right tank to be between one-half and one-quarter full, and decided it was too early to switch tanks. The pilot subsequently became involved in "the activities of the flight," and never checked the tanks again. At an altitude of 1,000 feet agl and 1.9 hours into the flight, the engine lost power. Two attempts to restart the engine proved unsuccessful, and a forced landing to an open area was initiated. The airplane hit the ground, bounced once, and flipped over, coming to rest inverted. The banner was not released during the forced landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On February 7, 2002, at 1722 central standard time, a Piper PA-18-150 single-engine airplane, N4013E, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Houston, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by Nighthawk Aerial Advertising, of Pearland, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 banner towing flight. The local flight originated from the Clover Field Airport, Pearland, at 1530. According the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that prior to the flight, he had topped off both tanks, ensured the fuel selector was in the right tank position, and checked the fuel strainer. After having flown for "almost an hour," he checked the right tank, observed it to be between one-half to one-quarter full, and decided it was too early to switch to the left tank. The pilot reported that at this time he became involved in "the activities of the flight," and never checked the right tank again. After flying for 1.9 hours, at an altitude of 1,000 feet agl, the engine lost power. The pilot set up a glide and tried to restart the engine twice, but was unsuccessful in both attempts. At 400 feet agl, the pilot stated he headed for an open space, where the airplane hit, bounced once, and flipped over, coming to rest inverted. The banner was not released during the forced landing. An examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane's fuselage was bent 30 degrees to the left, the cockpit was crushed, and the propeller was bent. An examination of the fuel tanks found no fuel in the right tank, while the left tank had fuel up to the filler neck.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:22 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN4013E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data