On July 24, 1990, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4184Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Jordan, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply prior to flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine failure during the ranch survey operation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An uncategorized pilot flying a Piper PA-18 experienced an engine failure during a ranch survey flight, resulting in substantial aircraft damage during an emergency landing.
What happened
During a ranch survey flight, the pilot of a Piper PA-18 encountered an unexpected engine failure. The pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing in rough terrain under difficult conditions. As a result of the forced landing, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the right tank. Inspection confirmed that both the right tank and the header tank were completely dry, indicating a lack of available fuel for the engine.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply prior to flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine failure during the ranch survey operation.
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