Engine failures lead to aircraft impact short of Dulles International Airport

Casualties unknown • Washington, DC, US

A pilot experienced successive engine failures in both engines while en route, resulting in an impact with trees approximately 1000 feet before the runway at Dulles.

What happened

While en route to his destination, the pilot experienced a loss of power in the right engine. Following this failure, the pilot notified air traffic control and was provided vectors toward Dulles International Airport.

As the pilot had the airport in sight, the left engine also lost power. The pilot informed air traffic control that the aircraft would be unable to reach the runway. The airplane subsequently impacted trees approximately 1000 feet short of runway 1. The pilot was not injured.

During the flight planning process, the pilot had misread the fuel quantity, recording 108 gallons as available. This specific figure corresponds to the aircraft's auxiliary tank configuration rather than the standard setup. The pilot did not realize this error until after the accident occurred.

Probable cause

The pilot miscalculated the available fuel during flight planning by incorrectly reading the fuel quantity for an auxiliary tank configuration, leading to engine power loss.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-05-02 Piper PA-23 accident near Washington, DC?

A pilot experienced successive engine failures in both engines while en route, resulting in an impact with trees approximately 1000 feet before the runway at Dulles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-05-02 involved a Piper PA-23, registration N1044P, at Washington, DC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot miscalculated the available fuel during flight planning by incorrectly reading the fuel quantity for an auxiliary tank configuration, leading to engine power loss.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07934. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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