Casualties unknown

1989-05-20: Piper PA-31-350 (N35479) — Northern Aviation — Arcata, CA

Arcata, CA, US

On May 20, 1989, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N35479) operated by Northern Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Arcata, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS INACCURATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS AND IMPROPER FUEL TANK SELECTOR POSITION. THESE RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION TO BOTH ENGINES WHEN THE AUX TANKS RAN DRY AND THE MAINS HAD FUEL REMAINING IN THEM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 an instrument approach, both engines lost power. The pilot attempted restart but failed, leading to a forced landing in an open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with terrain. Inspection found empty auxiliary fuel tanks; main tanks ruptured with unknown fuel quantity.

Accident Overview

While established on an instrument approach, the right engine lost power. Shortly thereafter, the left engine also lost power. The pilot was unable to restart either engine, and a forced landing was executed in an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with the terrain.

Fuel System Examination

Inspection of the engines revealed that the auxiliary fuel tanks were empty. The main fuel tanks contained an unknown quantity of fuel and were ruptured during the crash sequence. The airplane had been operating off the auxiliary tanks prior to the loss of power.

Mechanical Condition

No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported with the airplane or its engines.

Forced Landing and Terrain Collision

The forced landing in the open field was necessitated by the total loss of engine power. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft towards a suitable landing area. Upon touchdown, the aircraft continued its landing roll and subsequently collided with terrain. The collision caused rupture of the main fuel tanks.

Investigation Findings

The investigation included an inspection of the fuel system. The auxiliary fuel tanks were found empty, while the main fuel tanks were ruptured and their contents could not be accurately measured. The aircraft had been utilizing fuel from the auxiliary tanks before the engine failures. No evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was found in the airframe or engines.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28355. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.