Aviation Accident Summary CHI88LA232

WATERTOWN, WI, USA

Aircraft #1

N9346C

PIPER PA-32-260

Analysis

THE PILOT PLANNED A CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP WITH PASSENGERS AND BECAUSE OF THEIR WEIGHT, HE ELECTED TO NOT FILL THE OUTBOARD TANKS WITH FUEL. HE TOOK OFF WITH THE EMPTY RIGHT OUTBOARD TANK SELECTED AND FUEL STARVATION OCCURRED AT 200' AGL. THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO AVOID POWER LINES AND TREES WHEN THE ACFT STALLED AND DESCENDED TO TERRAIN IMPACT.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S IMPROPER SELECTION OF THE FUEL TANK, AND HIS SUBSEQUENT FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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