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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 28, 2014 · Piper PA 24-250 250 · N5897P

Berrien Springs, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 28, 2014
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 serious injuries)
Location
Berrien Springs, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA 24-250 250 (1959)
Tail Number
N5897P
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15LA064

The pilot stated that he calculated that the airplane had sufficient fuel on board for about 90 minutes of flight; he estimated that the flight to his intended destination would take about 70 minutes. The flight encountered weather as it approached its destination, so the pilot decided to circle the area until the weather cleared. Once the weather cleared, he lined up the airplane on final approach for the runway. The pilot stated that, about 4 miles from the runway, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power because the airplane ran out of fuel. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane impacted trees and terrain.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Ceiling/visibility/precip-Low visibility-Contributed to outcome

Full Narrative

On November 28, 2014, about 1110 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24 airplane, N5897P, sustained substantial damage following a total loss of engine power enroute to Andrews University Airpark (C20), Berrien Springs, MI. The pilot, who was the registered owner, co-pilot, and 2 passengers were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of departure from Richmond Municipal Airport, Richmond, Indiana. The flight was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, as a personal flight and an instrument flight plan had been filed. The pilot stated he was planning a 70 minute flight enroute to his destination. The fixed based operator at his departure airport was closed and fuel was not available. He had calculated there was 90 minutes of fuel onboard the airplane based on a previous flight 2 days prior. The pilot reported he encountered weather as he approached his intended destination and decided to circle until the weather cleared. When the weather cleared he lined up on final approach for the runway. The pilot stated that approximately 4 miles from the runway he encountered a total loss of engine power when the airplane ran out of fuel. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane impacted trees and terrain causing substantial damage to airplane's fuselage and wings.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:11 EST
Nearest AirportAndrews University Airpark (0nm WNW)
Runway31
Runway Length4160 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 24-250 250
Tail NumberN5897P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious4
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 32 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 3Serious
Crew 4Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point21 C / 16 C
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data