On May 17, 1993, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6943W) operated by William Robinson was involved in an aviation accident near Canton, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING WHEN DETERMINING HIS FUEL LOAD, WHICH LED TO AN EXHAUSTION OF THE AIRPLANE'S FUEL SUPPLY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot ditched an airplane in a lake after engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. The fuel tanks, found undamaged, contained about one quart each, below the usable quantity.
Incident Description
A pilot reported that the airplane departed with 25 gallons of fuel on board. However, the pilot was unable to verify the exact fuel load because the fuel level in the tanks was below the tab used for sight measurements. Approximately two hours and 13 minutes into the flight, the engine lost power. The pilot then decided to ditch the airplane in a shallow lake located about four miles from the intended destination airport.
Investigation Findings
An FAA inspector examined the airplane after the ditching. The inspection revealed that the fuel tanks were not compromised and each tank contained about one quart of fuel. This amount is less than the published usable fuel quantity for the airplane. No mechanical malfunctions were found during the examination.
What happened in the 17 May 1993 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Canton, KY?
A pilot ditched an airplane in a lake after engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. The fuel tanks, found undamaged, contained about one quart each, below the usable quantity.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 May 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6943W, operated by William Robinson, at Canton, KY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING WHEN DETERMINING HIS FUEL LOAD, WHICH LED TO AN EXHAUSTION OF THE AIRPLANE'S FUEL SUPPLY.
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