Dual engine failure leads to off-airport landing

Casualties unknown • Laconia, NH, US

A pilot experienced a total loss of power in both engines during cruise flight, resulting in an emergency landing on a roadway.

What happened

The pilot departed with a known low battery and unequal fuel levels, consisting of 15 gallons in the left tank and 30 gallons in the right tank. While cruising at 7,500 feet, the pilot experienced a power loss on the left engine. Following emergency procedures, the pilot was unable to achieve a restart and subsequently feathered the propeller. After setting up the crossfeed, the right engine failed a few seconds later. The pilot attempted to restart the right engine but was unsuccessful, leading to the feathering of the second propeller.

At the time of the dual engine failure, both fuel selectors were set to crossfeed. The pilot reset the selectors to the tank-to-engine position and attempted another restart of the right engine, but the low battery prevented a successful restart. The pilot performed an off-airport landing on a roadway.

The investigation

A post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed that there was fuel remaining in the right tank, but no fuel was present in the left tank.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the exhaustion of fuel in the left tank, with a low battery further preventing the restart of the remaining engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-12-07 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Laconia, NH?

A pilot experienced a total loss of power in both engines during cruise flight, resulting in an emergency landing on a roadway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-12-07 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N16502, operated by Herbert Hauser, at Laconia, NH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the exhaustion of fuel in the left tank, with a low battery further preventing the restart of the remaining engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27492. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…