On May 1, 1983, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5738P) operated by James R. Weir was involved in an aviation accident near Coram, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed shortly after declaring an emergency. Witnesses heard no engine noise before impact, and inspection revealed the carburetor was empty of usable fuel.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a critical failure shortly after the pilot declared an emergency. A witness observed the aircraft in flight but reported hearing no engine sound prior to the crash, suggesting a sudden loss of power.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the engine did not reveal any mechanical discrepancies or damage that would explain a failure. However, further inspection focused on the fuel system revealed a significant issue. When the carburetor was examined, no fuel was found in the line between the engine-driven fuel pump and the carburetor. The carburetor itself was empty of usable fuel.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft ran out of usable fuel. The lack of fuel in the carburetor and the associated lines indicates a total starvation of the engine, which aligns with the witness account of hearing no engine sound before the crash.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 May 1983 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Coram, NY?
An aircraft crashed shortly after declaring an emergency. Witnesses heard no engine noise before impact, and inspection revealed the carburetor was empty of usable fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 May 1983 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5738P, operated by James R. Weir, at Coram, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
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