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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 13, 2022 · Piper PA-38-112 · N498DS

Rockingham, NC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 13, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Rockingham, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112 (1979)
Tail Number
N498DS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA23LA089

According to the pilot, after flying for about 4 hours, the engine lost total power about 2 miles form the destination airport and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage and right wing. The pilot described that the fuel consumption during the accident flight was higher than he had expected based on the fuel consumption that he had calculated on previous flights. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident and confirmed that both of the fuel tanks were absent of fuel. In the “Recommendation” section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report, the pilot stated that “a more accurate way to determine actual fuel on board and a higher reserve might have prevented this accident.” Based on this information, it’s likely that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, after flying for about 4 hours, the engine lost total power about 2 miles form the destination airport and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage and right wing. The pilot described that the fuel consumption during the accident flight was higher than he had expected based on the fuel consumption that he had calculated on previous flights. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident and confirmed that both of the fuel tanks were absent of fuel. In the “Recommendation” section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report, the pilot stated that “a more accurate way to determine actual fuel on board and a higher reserve might have prevented this accident.” Based on this information, it’s likely that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:55 EST
Nearest AirportRichmond County (2nm S)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN498DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-LCZ · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 F / 30 F
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data