Casualties unknown

1987-08-04: Piper PA-34-200T (N477BL) — California Aviation — EL Monte, CA

EL Monte, CA, US

On August 4, 1987, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N477BL) operated by California Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near EL Monte, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's lack of knowledge of emergency procedures contained in the Pilot Operating Handbook. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a check-out flight, a CFI shut down the left engine using fuel selector crossfeed. During approach, the right engine lost power. The aircraft landed short of the runway, hit a fence, and was damaged. Fuel remaining: 1.5 gal left, 42 gal right.

Introduction

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a check-out flight for an airline transport pilot (ATP) in a Piper PA-34. The ATP checked the fuel quantity and questioned the CFI about the level in the left tank. The CFI acknowledged that the left fuel tank was not full. The ATP stated that the fuel gauges indicated 30 gallons in the left tank and 25 gallons in the right tank.

Flight Events

During the flight, the CFI shut down the left engine by placing the left fuel selector to OFF and moving the right fuel selector to the CROSSFEED position. As the flight continued on a VOR approach, the right engine lost power. Both fuel selectors were then placed to ON, but neither engine restarted.

Landing and Damage

The aircraft subsequently landed approximately one-half mile short of the runway, struck a fence, and sustained damage.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination revealed that there was about 1.5 gallons of fuel remaining in the left tank and approximately 42 gallons in the right tank.

Contributing Factors

FAA personnel reported that the pilot lacked knowledge of emergency procedures contained in the Pilot Operating Handbook.

Probable cause

The pilot's lack of knowledge of emergency procedures contained in the Pilot Operating Handbook.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31842. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.