1989-11-23: Piper PA-24-250 — Philip Railsback — Decatur, IN

Casualties unknown • Decatur, IN, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE FUEL SUPPLY, INACCURATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, AND HIS IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED BEING LOW ON FUEL AND REQUESTED VECTORS TO THE NEAREST AIRPORT DURING THE CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED 15 MILES SHORT OF THE NEAREST AIRPORT AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE INITIAL FUEL QUANTITY AT TAKEOFF AND FAILED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE HIGHER EN ROUTE POWER SETTINGS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-11-23 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Decatur, IN?

THE PILOT REPORTED BEING LOW ON FUEL AND REQUESTED VECTORS TO THE NEAREST AIRPORT DURING THE CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED 15 MILES SHORT OF THE NEAREST AIRPORT AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE INITIAL FUEL QUANTITY AT TAKEOFF AND…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-11-23 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5483P, operated by Philip Railsback, at Decatur, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF THE FUEL SUPPLY, INACCURATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, AND HIS IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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