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NTSB Report
August 5, 2011 · Piper PA-18A · N150CW
Sherman, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Sherman, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-18A
Tail Number
N150CW
Operator
Darrell Williams
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA548
The pilot did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure, but his fuel gauges indicated the left tank was 3/4-full and the right fuel tank was 1/4-full. He departed with the fuel selector on the left tank and flew for an hour before he picked up a friend and continued with the flight. The pilot and his passenger flew to another airport and landed. They then taxied back to the runway and departed. During takeoff, the pilot made a left hand turn and the engine began to sputter and then stopped producing power. The pilot was unable to return to the airport, and made a forced landing to a field. Examination of the airplane revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right tank had only residual fuel inside.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Full Narrative
The private pilot did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure, but his fuel guages indicated the left tank was 3/4-full and the right fuel tank was 1/4-full. He departed with the fuel selector on the left tank and flew for an hour before he picked up a friend and continued with the flight. The pilot and his passenger flew to another airport and landed. They then taxied back to the runway and departed. On takeoff, the pilot made a left hand turn and the engine began to sputter and then stopped producing power. The pilot was unable to return to the airport, so he made a forced landing to a field. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right tank had some residual fuel inside.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSHERMAN (0nm)
Runway16
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18A
Tail NumberN150CW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDarrell Williams
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0