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October 23, 2002 · Piper PA-28-140 · N2838T

Las Palmas, PR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 23, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Las Palmas, PR
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N2838T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA03LA006

Following a 30 minute flight from Humacao, Puerto Rico, the pilot's first attempt to land on runway 10 at Patillas Airport, Las Palmas, resulted in a go-around because the approach path was too high. During the go-around, at between 400 and 500 feet agl, the engine lost partial power, and the pilot elected to execute a quick course reversal and land on runway 28. The emergency approach and landing were fast and long, necessitating another go-around with whatever power was available. The pilot managed to over-fly the airport perimeter fence, but collided with the terrain on the other side of the fence, sustaining substantial damage to the aircraft. Postcrash examination of the aircraft revealed the fuel selector was selected to the right fuel tank, which was found empty. The pilot stated he had not switched tanks since takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks resulting in a partial loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during a go-around. Additionally, the pilot's failure to monitor airspeed and proper touchdown point during the emergency landing resulted in another go-around attempt with partial power and inadequate airspeed that caused a collision with a field off the end of the runway.

Full Narrative

On October 23, 2002, about 1600 Atlantic standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N2838T, registered to East Wing Aviation, Inc., operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed in the vicinity of Las Palmas, Puerto Rico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private rated pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight originated from Humacao, Puerto Rico, about 30 minutes before the accident. According to the pilot, he realized that he was too high for a safe landing to Patillas Airport's runway 10, and elected to conduct a go-around. During the go-around, at 400 to 500 feet agl, the engine lost partial power, and his best option was to perform a 180- degree course reversal and attempt an emergency landing on runway 28. His touchdown occurred about runway mid-length with excessive approach speed. He attempted a partial power go-around, cleared the airport perimeter fence, and collided with the terrain on the other side of the fence due to insufficient airspeed. The surface of the terrain was rough dirt and grass, and the landing gear collapsed. According to an FAA inspector, following examination of the wreckage and interviewing the pilot, during the pilot's go-around from runway 10, a partial engine power loss necessitated his attempting to make an emergency approach and landing to runway 28. That approach resulted in a long, fast touchdown due to a tailwind, and the pilot again attempted a go-around. During the second go-around, using partial engine power, the pilot had to effect an abrupt pull-up to miss a fence at the departure end of runway 28. The fence was cleared, but the aircraft crashed in a field on the other side of the fence, collapsing the three landing gear and striking the propeller. The right fuel tank was found empty, and the pilot admitted he did not switch tanks from right to left tank since his departure from Humacao. The left fuel tank contained about 18 gallons of 100 octane LL fuel, which was the quantity observed before departure. The underside of the wings and fuselage revealed no evidence of fuel leakage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 AST
Nearest AirportPATILLAS (1nm W)
Runway28
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN2838T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data