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NTSB Report

May 26, 2009 · Piper PA-28-161 · N1669H

Jasper, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 26, 2009
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Jasper, AL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N1669H
Operator
Walker County Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09LA308

The flight instructor stated that prior to the instructional flight the airplane was refueled so that the left main tank was approximately ¾ full of fuel. He said that he checked the right fuel tank and it was full. He taxied the airplane to the runway to conduct touch-and-go landings with his student. He said that he positioned the fuel selector on the left main fuel tank. After they conducted approximately seven touch-and-go landings, and on climbout between 200-300 feet, the engine stopped running and the propeller began to windmill. He told the student pilot "my airplane," and he then made an emergency landing in a field. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the left main fuel tank was depleted of fuel, and fuel continuity was established from the fuel tank to the carburetor. The right fuel tank was full of fuel. The FAA inspector interviewed a mechanic who assisted the pilots after the accident, and the mechanic stated that the fuel selector was in the left tank position after the accident. Examination of the engine by the FAA inspector revealed no evidence of precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the flight instructor's improper fuel management.

Full Narrative

On May 26, 2009, about 1150 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N1669H made an emergency landing after a total loss of engine power near Walker County Airport, Jasper, Alabama. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was owned and operated by Walker County Aviation LLC, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed Walker County Airport, Jasper, Alabama, at 1100 central daylight time. The CFI stated that prior to the instructional flight, the airplane was refueled to approximately ¾ full of fuel in the left main tank. He said that he checked the right fuel tank and it was full. The CFI taxied the airplane to runway 27 to conduct touch and go landings with his student. He said that the fuel selector was positioned in the left tank during the course of the flight. After approximately seven touch and go landings, during climbout, between 200-300 feet, the engine stopped running and the propeller began to windmill. He told the student pilot "my airplane," and lowered the nose. The engine started briefly, and he advised the student to switch fuel tanks. He stated that "he did not know if the student switched fuel tanks." The engine stopped again, and he made an emergency landing in a field. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the left main fuel tank was depleted of fuel. The right main fuel tank was full of fuel, and fuel continuity was established from the fuel tank to the carburetor. The FAA inspector said that a mechanic that assisted the pilots after the accident stated that the fuel selector was in the left tank position after the accident. The FAA inspector conducted an examination of the engine and did not find any mechanic anomalies that would have prevented the engine from operating normally. No other flight control or mechanical anomalies were noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:50 CDT
Nearest AirportWalker County Airport (1nm)
Runway27
Runway Length5003 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN1669H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWalker County Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 21 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingOvercast 1300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 66 F
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data