On December 9, 1990, a Piper PA 28R-200 (registration N5003T) operated by Field Aircraft Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Senoia, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DARK NIGHT OPERATION AND THE COLLISION WITH UTILITY LINES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performed an emergency landing on a highway after a second engine failure short of the destination airport, striking utility lines. Investigation revealed both fuel tanks empty and no mechanical issues.
Accident Description
The flight was within visual range of the destination airport when the engine failed for the second time. Being short of the airport, the pilot initiated an approach to a state highway for an emergency landing. During the landing attempt, the airplane collided with utility lines and subsequently crashed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the airplane after the accident disclosed that both fuel tanks were empty. The pilot had not planned a refueling stop during the flight. No mechanical problems were reported. The absence of fuel in both tanks indicates that the engine failures were due to fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 9 Dec 1990 Piper PA 28R-200 accident near Senoia, GA?
A pilot performed an emergency landing on a highway after a second engine failure short of the destination airport, striking utility lines. Investigation revealed both fuel tanks empty and no mechanical issues.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Dec 1990 involved a Piper PA 28R-200, registration N5003T, operated by Field Aircraft Inc., at Senoia, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DARK NIGHT OPERATION AND THE COLLISION WITH UTILITY LINES.
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