Casualties unknown

2001-05-22: Piper PA-31-310 (N35WT) — Uniontown, OH

Uniontown, OH, US

On May 22, 2001, a Piper PA-31-310 (registration N35WT) was involved in an aviation accident near Uniontown, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to perform fuel calculations. A factor was the inboard fuel tank probes not being within the manufacturer's resistance limits, which resulted in inaccurate fuel gauges. 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 commercial pilot experienced dual engine power loss on final approach, leading to a forced landing 4.5 miles short of the runway. Post-incident examination found empty fuel tanks and faulty fuel quantity probes.

Incident Overview

A commercial pilot on the final leg of a five-segment trip encountered a dual engine power loss while on final approach. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing approximately 4.5 miles short of the intended runway.

Fuel Situation

Prior to departure for the last leg, the pilot estimated having between 44 and 48 gallons of fuel in the inboard tanks, with no fuel in the outboard tanks. After the forced landing, examination of the fuel tanks revealed that both the left and right inboard tanks were empty.

Fuel Quantity Indication

With the battery off, the left fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/16 full, while the right fuel gauge indicated approximately 1/2 full. The operator reported that the normal procedure for checking fuel quantity was by referencing the fuel gauges.

Fuel Probe Inspection

Two left and one right inboard fuel probes were tested for variable resistance using a calibrated digital VOM. None of the probes that were tested fell within the manufacturer's published resistance limits.

Fuel Consumption

The operator stated that the airplane would burn an average of 40 gallons per hour. For the five trip legs, the actual fuel burn was approximately 41 gallons per hour.

Pilot Experience

The pilot reported a total of 1,706 flight hours, of which 365.6 hours were in the accident make and model. The pilot reported no additional mechanical deficiencies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010606X01081. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.