Casualties unknown

1998-05-16: Piper PA-25-260D (N9754P) — Richfield, UT

Richfield, UT, US

On May 16, 1998, a Piper PA-25-260D (registration N9754P) was involved in an aviation accident near Richfield, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power; and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost engine power while spraying a field with a herbicide mixture. Witnesses reported the engine stopping and restarting before the aircraft dove. Examination found little fuel in the system.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported having little recollection of an accident that occurred while conducting agricultural spraying operations. The pilot had been applying a 50-50 mixture of Furadan and Dimate 4E to a field.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses at the scene stated that they heard the engine 'cut out,' 'stall,' or 'stop' during the flight. They then heard the engine restart before it 'cut out,' 'stalled,' or 'stopped' a second time. Following the second power loss, witnesses observed the airplane 'dive,' 'nose dive,' or go 'straight down.'

Post-Accident Examination

An FAA inspector conducted an examination of the aircraft. The inspection focused on the fuel system. The wing tanks, which were undamaged, showed no evidence of fuel. No fuel was detected in the gascolator, the fuel line between the gascolator and fuel pump, or the carburetor. A small amount of fuel was found in the carburetor inlet fuel line.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10073. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.