1994-04-16: Piper PA-23-250 — Margate, FL

Casualties unknown • Margate, FL, US

Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO POSITION THE FUEL SELECTORS TO THE FULLEST TANK BEFORE LANDING RESULTING IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM BOTH ENGINES DUE TO FUEL STARVATION.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

WHILE DESCENDING TO LAND BOTH ENGINES FAILED DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT FOR A FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A LIGHT POLE THEN THE GROUND AND CAME TO REST ADJACENT TO A HOUSE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. THE FUEL SELECTORS WERE POSITIONED TO THE INBOARD TANKS WHICH CONTAINED LESS THAN A TOTAL OF 1/2 GALLON OF FUEL. THE LEFT AND RIGHT OUTBOARD FUEL TANKS CONTAINED 9 AND 13 GALLONS RESPECTIVELY. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT MOVE THE FUEL SELECTORS DURING THE FLIGHT.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-04-16 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Margate, FL?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-04-16 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N4857P, at Margate, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO POSITION THE FUEL SELECTORS TO THE FULLEST TANK BEFORE LANDING RESULTING IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM BOTH ENGINES DUE TO FUEL STARVATION.

Loading the flight search…