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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 22, 2021 · Piper PA-30 · N7588Y

Wanatah, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 22, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wanatah, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-30 (1964)
Tail Number
N7588Y
Operator
J Bird Flight Training
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA171

The pilot was practicing instrument approaches in the multiengine airplane with a safety pilot. While in cruise flight with fuel to both engines selected from the respective auxiliary fuel tanks, the left engine lost power. During diversion to a nearby airport, the right engine lost power and the pilots conducted a forced landing to a farm field. Both pilots thought that the auxiliary fuel tank gauges indicated that the fuel remaining was adequate and did not attempt to select fuel from either inboard fuel tank after each engine lost power. Examination revealed that both auxiliary fuel tanks were empty, while both inboard fuel tanks were nearly full. Fuel gauge testing revealed normal operation, and no fuel contamination, leaks, or anomalies of the fuel system were observed. Based on the available information, the circumstances of the accident are consistent with the pilots’ mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of power to both engines due to fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots’ fuel mismanagement, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power to both engines.

Full Narrative

On March 22, 2021, about 1230 central daylight time, a Piper PA-30 airplane, N7588Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wanatah, Indiana. The two commercial pilots were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot was practicing instrument approaches with a safety pilot. While in cruise flight after about 2.6 flight hours, the left engine lost power and the pilot diverted toward Porter County Airport (VPZ), Valparaiso, Indiana. The pilot subsequently feathered the left engine propeller to reduce drag. While the airplane was on final approach, the right engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing into a field, which damaged the fuselage skin and longerons. The pilots recalled that both respective fuel selectors were in the auxiliary tank position. Although both pilots thought the respective auxiliary tank fuel gages indicated more than ½ full when the engines lost power, examination revealed that both auxiliary fuel tanks were empty, while both inboard fuel tanks were nearly full. No evidence of fuel contamination or fuel leaks were observed and both auxiliary fuel tank gauges indicated empty. No anomalies were noted with the engine-driven fuel pumps or fuel boost pumps. Both auxiliary fuel tanks were serviced with 5 gallons of fuel, and the tank gauges increased to a level that corresponded to the fuel added.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-30
Tail NumberN7588Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJ Bird Flight Training
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-B1A · Reciprocating · 160 | Lycoming · IO-320-B1A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 13 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data