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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 27, 2002 · Piper PA-34-220T · N224BD

Elko, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 27, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elko, NV
Aircraft
Piper PA-34-220T
Tail Number
N224BD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX03LA040

The airplane lost power in both engines and impacted terrain short of the runway. While on final approach to runway 05, both of the airplane's engines simultaneously experienced a total loss of power. Despite the pilot's attempts, both engines failed to restart and he configured the airplane for a forced landing. Upon touch down, the airplane impacted desert terrain and bushes. During a post accident examination, an FAA inspector found no evidence of fuel in the airplane's four fuel tanks. He further stated that all tanks and fuel lines remained intact. The airplane's operator reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision resulting in fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

On November 27, 2002, about 1040 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-34-220T, N224BD, impacted terrain short of the runway, following a loss of engine power while on approach to the Elko Regional Airport, Elko, Nevada. Reno Flying Service, Inc., operated the on-demand air taxi flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135 as a non-scheduled domestic cargo flight. The commercial pilot and one pilot passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Reno, about 0930 with a planned destination of Elko. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and interviewed the pilot after the accident occurred. The pilot stated that while on final approach to runway 05, both of the airplane's engines simultaneously experienced a total loss of power. Despite the pilot's attempts, both engines failed to restart and he configured the airplane for a forced landing. Upon touch down, the airplane impacted dessert terrain and bushes. The airplane came to rest less than a half of a mile from the runway. During the post accident examination, the FAA inspector found no evidence of fuel in the airplane's four fuel tanks. He further stated that all tanks remained intact during the accident sequence. In a written statement, the operator reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The airplane incurred damage to both wings, engines, and propellers.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 PST
Nearest AirportElko Muni-J.C. Harris Field (0nm SW)
Runway5
Runway Length7221 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-34-220T
Tail NumberN224BD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 135
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-KB · Reciprocating · 230
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 14 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data