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December 9, 2022 · Piper PA-44 180 · N160PT

Hawkinsville, GA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hawkinsville, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA-44 180 (1978)
Tail Number
N160PT
Operator
Pilot Training Center
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA23LA083

The pilot of the twin engine-equipped airplane reported that while on an instrument flight rules cross-country flight at night, he became concerned about the amount of fuel aboard and considered stopping for fuel. About the time he became aware of the fuel state, the airplane encountered instrument meteorological conditions and his attention was diverted from finding an alternate airport to maintaining his flight path. When air traffic control cleared the pilot to go direct to the initial approach fix at his destination airport, the airplane experienced an uncommanded right yaw. The pilot recognized that the right engine experienced a total loss of power and he began to secure that engine. He declared an emergency and requested radar vectors to the nearest airport. Then, the left engine began to “sputter” and experienced a total loss of power. The pilot reported that he “was sure that it was fuel exhaustion.” Unable to glide to an airport, the pilot aimed for the darkest landscape, to avoid any ground injuries, and the airplane impacted terrain resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Post-accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted no smell of fuel or indications of fuel present at the accident site. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Based on this information, it is likely that the pilot exhausted the available fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the twin engine-equipped airplane reported that while on an instrument flight rules cross-country flight at night, he became concerned about the amount of fuel aboard and considered stopping for fuel. About the time he became aware of the fuel state, the airplane encountered instrument meteorological conditions and his attention was diverted from finding an alternate airport to maintaining his flight path. When air traffic control cleared the pilot to go direct to the initial approach fix at his destination airport, the airplane experienced an uncommanded right yaw. The pilot recognized that the right engine experienced a total loss of power and he began to secure that engine. He declared an emergency and requested radar vectors to the nearest airport. Then, the left engine began to “sputter” and experienced a total loss of power. The pilot reported that he “was sure that it was fuel exhaustion.” Unable to glide to an airport, the pilot aimed for the darkest landscape, to avoid any ground injuries, and the airplane impacted terrain resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Post-accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector noted no smell of fuel or indications of fuel present at the accident site. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Based on this information, it is likely that the pilot exhausted the available fuel supply, with resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EST
Nearest AirportHawkinsville-Pulaski County (1.5nm NNE)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-44 180
Tail NumberN160PT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPilot Training Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180 | Lycoming · VO-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind50° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 64 F
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data