On September 11, 1991, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7730Y) operated by Rick L. Ownes was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Carson, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF POWER TO BOTH ENGINES DUE FIRST TO FUEL STARVATION FOLLOWED BY FUEL EXHAUSTION, THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL, AND THE INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF POWERPLANT CONTROLS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During his first solo practice flight, a pilot with 18 hours multiengine time experienced right engine failure from fuel starvation. After the second engine failed from fuel exhaustion, the pilot inadvertently stalled, rolling over and diving into the ground.
Incident Overview
The accident occurred during a pilot's first solo practice flight, conducted three days after receiving a multiengine rating. The pilot had accumulated 18 hours of multiengine flight time.
Sequence of Events
While being vectored for a practice approach by approach control, the right engine quit due to fuel starvation. The aircraft's turbochargers were not engaged, and as a result of single engine performance limits, the aircraft could not maintain altitude. Approach control subsequently vectored the aircraft toward the nearest airport. During the approach, the pilot experienced difficulty in locating the airport. The second engine then quit due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot subsequently inadvertently stalled the aircraft, causing it to roll over and dive into the ground.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had recently obtained a multiengine rating and was flying his first solo practice flight. His total multiengine time was 18 hours.
What happened in the 11 Sept 1991 Piper PA-30 accident near Ft. Carson, CO?
During his first solo practice flight, a pilot with 18 hours multiengine time experienced right engine failure from fuel starvation. After the second engine failed from fuel exhaustion, the pilot inadvertently stalled, rolling over and diving into the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Sept 1991 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7730Y, operated by Rick L. Ownes, at Ft. Carson, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE LOSS OF POWER TO BOTH ENGINES DUE FIRST TO FUEL STARVATION FOLLOWED BY FUEL EXHAUSTION, THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL, AND THE INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF POWERPLANT CONTROLS.
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