On April 16, 1994, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N4857P) was involved in an aviation accident near Margate, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel starvation resulting from the fuel selectors being positioned to the inboard tanks, which contained less than half a gallon of fuel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Both engines failed during descent due to fuel starvation. The airplane collided with a light pole and then the ground during an emergency landing, coming to rest adjacent to a house. The fuel selectors were on the inboard tanks, which held less than half a gallon total.
Accident Overview
While descending to land, both engines failed as a result of fuel starvation. During the subsequent emergency descent for a forced landing, the airplane struck a light pole before impacting the ground. The aircraft came to rest adjacent to a house in a residential area.
Fuel Management
The fuel selectors were positioned to the inboard tanks. An examination revealed that the inboard tanks contained less than a total of half a gallon of fuel. In contrast, the left outboard tank held 9 gallons of fuel, and the right outboard tank held 13 gallons.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he did not move the fuel selectors during the flight.
Probable cause
Fuel starvation resulting from the fuel selectors being positioned to the inboard tanks, which contained less than half a gallon of fuel.
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