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NTSB Report
September 13, 2015 · Piper PA 28-181 181 · N121LK
Lexington, NE
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lexington, NE
Aircraft
Piper PA 28-181 181 (1980)
Tail Number
N121LK
Operator
Hedgehoppers Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA261
The pilot reported that he exhausted all the fuel in both of the fuel tanks prior to reaching his destination, and was forced to maneuver for an emergency landing in a hay field. The pilot reported that after he lost sight of the hay bales that lined the field, he decided to "slightly pull up." Subsequently, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and the right wing impacted the ground. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's improper fuel planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and loss of engine power. Additionally, the pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the emergency landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he exhausted all the fuel in both of the fuel tanks prior to reaching his destination, and was forced to maneuver for an emergency landing in a hay field. The pilot reported that after he lost sight of the hay bales that lined the field, he decided to "slightly pull up." Subsequently, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and the right wing impacted the ground. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 28-181 181
Tail NumberN121LK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHedgehoppers Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None
Crew 2None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.84 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC