Forced landing following engine failure and pilot impairment

Casualties unknown • Terrell, TX, US

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during descent to pattern altitude, resulting in a forced landing that caused structural damage after striking a power line.

What happened

During the descent to pattern altitude, the pilot switched the fuel supply to the left tank. At 800 feet, the engine stopped functioning. The pilot attempted to switch back to the right tank in an effort to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful.

While performing the forced landing, the aircraft's landing gear struck a power line. The impact caused the airplane to land with enough force to collapse the nose gear.

The investigation

Post-accident inspection revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, while the right tank remained nearly full. Additionally, Texas Department of Public Safety personnel at the scene reported an overwhelming smell of alcohol emanating from the pilot. A portable breath tester administered on-site determined the pilot had a 0.149% blood alcohol concentration.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion in the left tank, with the pilot operating the aircraft while under the influence of alcohol.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-05-11 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Terrell, TX?

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during descent to pattern altitude, resulting in a forced landing that caused structural damage after striking a power line.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-05-11 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N7152D, operated by Tristate Trim Line, at Terrell, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion in the left tank, with the pilot operating the aircraft while under the influence of alcohol.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14650. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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