Casualties unknown

1990-11-16: Piper PA-23-250 (N6996A) — Harvey Gilman — Milton, KY

Milton, KY, US

On November 16, 1990, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N6996A) operated by Harvey Gilman was involved in an aviation accident near Milton, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel mismanagement that resulted in the loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During climb to cruise altitude, both engines of a multi-engine airplane quit. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, striking a ditch. Post-accident examination found outboard fuel tanks empty, inboard tanks full. The pilot reported fuel selectors were set to the outboard position, leading to fuel starvation.

Accident Details

A multi-engine airplane was climbing to its cruise altitude when the left engine sputtered and failed, followed by the right engine. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, during which the airplane struck a ditch. Post-accident examination revealed that the outboard fuel tanks were empty, while the inboard fuel tanks contained fuel.

Pilot Statement and Findings

The pilot stated that the fuel selectors were positioned to the outboard tanks at the time of the incident. The pilot attributed the loss of engine power to fuel mismanagement, which resulted in the engines being deprived of fuel. The investigation confirmed that the outboard tanks were empty, indicating that the engines were drawing fuel from tanks that had been exhausted.

Outcome

The airplane sustained damage from the forced landing and the impact with the ditch. No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or location were specified in the source.

Probable cause

Fuel mismanagement that resulted in the loss of engine power

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24576. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.