1991-03-30: Piper PA-23-250 — Michael T. Hagwood — Jean, NV

Casualties unknown • Jean, NV, US

Probable cause

FUEL STARVATION DUE TO THE IMPROPER FUEL MANAGEMENT (POSITIONING OF THE FUEL SELECTOR) BY THE PILOT, AND HIS IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRCRAFT WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

AFTER ABOUT 1 HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES OF FLIGHT, A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED IN THE LEFT ENGINE. WHILE THE PILOT WAS DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, THE RIGHT ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT DID NOT SWITCH THE FUEL TANK SELECTORS TO THE OUTBOARD TANKS, AND EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON THE DESERT TERRAIN. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A FENCE AND NOSED OVER. AN EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THAT THE OUTBOARD FUEL TANKS CONTAINED FUEL; THE INBOARD FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-03-30 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Jean, NV?

AFTER ABOUT 1 HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES OF FLIGHT, A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED IN THE LEFT ENGINE. WHILE THE PILOT WAS DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, THE RIGHT ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT DID NOT SWITCH THE FUEL TANK SELECTORS TO THE OUTBOARD TANKS, AND EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON THE DESERT TERRAIN. DURING THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-03-30 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N99255, operated by Michael T. Hagwood, at Jean, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FUEL STARVATION DUE TO THE IMPROPER FUEL MANAGEMENT (POSITIONING OF THE FUEL SELECTOR) BY THE PILOT, AND HIS IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRCRAFT WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16642. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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