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January 3, 2009 · Pzl PZL-104 35A Wilga · N226PF

Oakland, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 3, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Oakland, CA
Aircraft
Pzl PZL-104 35A Wilga
Tail Number
N226PF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09LA071

The pilot reported that during a local personal flight, the engine lost power as a result of fuel exhaustion. During the forced landing, he maneuvered to avoid power lines and subsequently impacted trees. The pilot related that he thought he had enough fuel for a short local flight. Post accident, the pilot stated that he did not realize he had flown the airplane for more than 4 hours since it had been refueled. The airplane's fuel endurance is about 4 hours.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.

Full Narrative

HISTORY OF FLIGHT On January 3, 2009, about 1445 Pacific standard time, an experimental PZL, PZL-104-35A, Wilga, N226PF, impacted trees following a loss of engine power in Redwood Regional Park, Oakland, California. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage by impact forces. The local personal flight departed Oakland about 1435. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that while maneuvering, the engine "ran out of gas just passed the western arm of the San Leondro Reservoir." He attempted a restart without success. During the descent, he saw power lines in front of him and he turned the airplane to the north. The airplane subsequently impacted trees. The pilot extricated himself from the wreckage and obtained transportation to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The pilot thought he departed Oakland Airport with enough fuel for the local flight based on the readings of the two fuel gauges. On January 12, 2009, the pilot contacted the National Transportation Safety Board investigator in-charge (IIC) and related that he had researched the amount of flight time he had on the accident airplane since refueling it. The airplane was refueled on October 18, 2008, to maximum capacity. The pilot reported that he had flown a total of 4.1 hours since refueling. The airplane's fuel endurance was a little more than 4 hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPzl PZL-104 35A Wilga
Tail NumberN226PF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsIvchenko · A1-14RA · Reciprocating · 260
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 77 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 28 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data