1994-05-24: Piper PA-24-250 — Lowdermilk, Stephen M.

1994-05-24: Piper PA-24-250 — Lowdermilk, Stephen M. — Foley, AL

Casualties unknown • Foley, AL, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING THE FORCED LANDING, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT AND RESULTANT IMPROPER POSITIONING OF THE FUEL SELECTOR WERE FACTORS.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PRIVATE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE TOOK OFF WITH BOTH FUEL TANKS SHOWING HALF FULL ON THE GAUGES, BUT HE DID NOT VISUALLY INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS FOR FUEL PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT. DURING THE DESCENT FOR LANDING, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. HE SET UP FOR A FORCED LANDING IN A COTTON FIELD. WHILE TRYING TO ALIGN THE AIRCRAFT WITH THE PLOWED ROWS, IT STALLED ABOUT 10 FEET AGL, AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. AN INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY, THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS SELECTED IN THE COCKPIT, AND THE FUEL SUMP WAS EMPTY.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-05-24 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Foley, AL?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-05-24 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5512P, operated by Lowdermilk, Stephen M., at Foley, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING THE FORCED LANDING, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AND COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT AND RESULTANT IMPROPER POSITIONING OF THE FUEL SELECTOR WERE FACTORS.

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