1994-06-02: Piper PA-24-260 — Quade's Flight School — Montgomery, NY

Casualties unknown • Montgomery, NY, US

Probable cause

The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply with an improper fuel selector position which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A factor is the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The instructor and student had completed instrument instruction and afterwards, the student, who was a private pilot, requested and they practiced crosswind landings. According to the instructor 'I was distracted by his perfomance and remiss in verification of fuel status in execution of before landing checklist. Power was lost on climbout. Additional check futile. Committed to off-field landing. Damage occurred on rollout through a ditch in terrain.' The FAA examined the airplane and revealed the left fuel tank was empty. An undetermined amount of fuel was in the right tank.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-06-02 Piper PA-24-260 accident near Montgomery, NY?

The instructor and student had completed instrument instruction and afterwards, the student, who was a private pilot, requested and they practiced crosswind landings. According to the instructor 'I was distracted by his perfomance and remiss in verification of fuel status in execution of before landing checklist.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-06-02 involved a Piper PA-24-260, registration N9041P, operated by Quade's Flight School, at Montgomery, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply with an improper fuel selector position which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. A factor is the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01453. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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