On July 11, 1990, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N83968) operated by Stephen F. Butler was involved in an aviation accident near Yarmouth, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES BY THE PILOT AND AN IMPROPERLY READING FUEL GAUGE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot departed with about 36 gallons of fuel, flew for 0.9 hours, then experienced a power loss and ditched in the ocean. Post-crash examination found the right tank nearly empty, the left tank with over 15 gallons, an inaccurate gauge, and the pilot had been switching tanks too fast.
Incident Details
A pilot departed with approximately 36 gallons of fuel onboard. After flying for 0.9 hours, the airplane experienced a power loss and was ditched in the ocean at a beach.
Examination Results
Post-crash examination of the airplane disclosed that the right fuel tank contained 1 quart of fuel, while the left tank held over 15 gallons. The pilot had been operating the engine on the right tank. Additionally, the right fuel tank gauge was found to be inaccurate.
Pilot's Account
After the accident, the pilot realized that he had been switching tanks too quickly for the engine to resume normal running.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Jul 1990 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Yarmouth, MA?
A pilot departed with about 36 gallons of fuel, flew for 0.9 hours, then experienced a power loss and ditched in the ocean. Post-crash examination found the right tank nearly empty, the left tank with over 15 gallons, an inaccurate gauge, and the pilot had been switching tanks too fast.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Jul 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N83968, operated by Stephen F. Butler, at Yarmouth, MA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES BY THE PILOT AND AN IMPROPERLY READING FUEL GAUGE.