On June 3, 1990, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9375T) operated by Sunbird Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Belgrade, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INADVERTENT STALL EXPERIENCED DURING THE ATTEMPTED FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a flight with touch-and-go landings and sightseeing, the engine quit on climbout. After a brief restart, it failed again. The aircraft banked steeply and crashed. Investigation found the right fuel tank empty and the fuel selector on that tank.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft, with approximately 10 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 8 gallons in the right tank before takeoff, departed with a pilot and passenger. The flight included three touch-and-go landings followed by a sightseeing excursion. Upon returning to the airport, the pilot performed another touch-and-go landing. During the subsequent climbout, the engine stopped. The pilot managed to restart the engine, but it stopped again. Witnesses observed the aircraft enter a steep right bank before impacting the ground.
Fuel System Examination
Post-accident inspection revealed that the fuel system was not compromised. Approximately 10 gallons of fuel remained in the left tank, while the right tank was empty. The gascolator was found dry. The fuel selector was positioned to draw fuel from the right tank. The aircraft had been in operation for 2.1 hours at the time of the accident. Fuel consumption for this type of aircraft ranges from 4.3 to 6.5 gallons per hour, depending on power settings and altitude flown.
What happened in the 3 Jun 1990 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Belgrade, MT?
During a flight with touch-and-go landings and sightseeing, the engine quit on climbout. After a brief restart, it failed again. The aircraft banked steeply and crashed. Investigation found the right fuel tank empty and the fuel selector on that tank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jun 1990 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N9375T, operated by Sunbird Aviation, Inc., at Belgrade, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE INADVERTENT STALL EXPERIENCED DURING THE ATTEMPTED FORCED LANDING.
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