1991-09-08: Piper PA-24-180 — Paul L. And Eddie E. Whistle — Broomfield, CO

Casualties unknown • Broomfield, CO, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL AND HIS MISJUDGED FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION POWER LOSS.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED HE TOOK OFF FROM FRONT RANGE AIRPORT, WATKINS, CO, EN ROUTE TO JEFFCO AIRPORT, BROOMFIELD, CO, A FLIGHT DURATION OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES, WITH 12 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD. WHILE ON BASE LEG AT JEFFCO, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. WHILE TURNING ONTO FINAL APPROACH, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH GUY WIRES AND CRASHED. THE PASSENGER TOLD THE AIRPORT OPERATIONS MANAGER THEY HAD 'RUN OUT OF GAS.' EXAMINATION DISCLOSED NO FUEL IN THE FUEL TANKS. THE FUEL SYSTEM HAD NOT BEEN COMPROMISED. THERE WERE NO FUEL STAINS ON THE GROUND.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-09-08 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Broomfield, CO?

THE PILOT REPORTED HE TOOK OFF FROM FRONT RANGE AIRPORT, WATKINS, CO, EN ROUTE TO JEFFCO AIRPORT, BROOMFIELD, CO, A FLIGHT DURATION OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES, WITH 12 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD. WHILE ON BASE LEG AT JEFFCO, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. WHILE TURNING ONTO FINAL APPROACH, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH GUY WIRES…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-09-08 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N16WW, operated by Paul L. And Eddie E. Whistle, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL AND HIS MISJUDGED FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION POWER LOSS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18087. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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