On March 7, 1992, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N27613) operated by Eagle Aero Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Qioquinton, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION BECAUSE OF AN OPEN CROSSFEED FUEL LINE DRAIN VALVE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airline transport pilot diverted to a new destination when both engines lost power. A gear-up landing was made in a field 3 miles northeast of the airport. FAA examination found the crossfeed fuel line drain valve was open.
Incident Overview
An airline transport pilot was diverting to a new destination when both engines lost power. The pilot subsequently performed a gear-up landing in a field located 3 miles northeast of the airport.
Fuel Management Issues
While en route, the pilot observed that the left fuel tank was consuming fuel at an excessive rate. He recalculated the remaining fuel on board and determined that two hours of fuel remained. The pilot then proceeded to the destination, which was only 50 minutes away from his present position.
Post-Incident Examination
An examination of the aircraft and its fuel system by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the crossfeed fuel line drain valve was open. No other abnormalities were found in the fuel system.
What happened in the 7 Mar 1992 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Qioquinton, VA?
An airline transport pilot diverted to a new destination when both engines lost power. A gear-up landing was made in a field 3 miles northeast of the airport. FAA examination found the crossfeed fuel line drain valve was open.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Mar 1992 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N27613, operated by Eagle Aero Inc, at Qioquinton, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION BECAUSE OF AN OPEN CROSSFEED FUEL LINE DRAIN VALVE.
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