On March 24, 2003, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N43456) was involved in an aviation accident near South Haven, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot and the fuel exhaustion. The inadequate traffic pattern distance from the runway, which precluded his reaching the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot made an off-airport landing after a total loss of engine power, colliding with trees. The flight had departed five hours earlier, and fuel calculations based on a leaning technique and gauge readings indicated sufficient fuel, but FAA guidance listed a safe flight time of 4 hours 30 minutes.
Incident Overview
A pilot performed an off-airport landing from an airport traffic pattern after experiencing a total loss of engine power. During the landing, the aircraft collided with trees.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he could not reach the runway from the base leg due to a strong headwind. He had diverted to the airport after becoming concerned about running out of fuel while en route to his intended destination. The flight had departed five hours before the accident.
Fuel Management
The pilot stated that he should have had enough fuel based on his calculations to reach his intended destination. His calculations were based on a leaning technique that involved a loss of revolutions per minute (rpm) followed by an increase in the mixture control of about three-quarters of an inch, as well as fuel gauge indications. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance information, the airplane had a "safe flight time" of 4 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally, fuel gauges are only calibrated to accurately indicate an empty tank.
What happened in the 24 Mar 2003 Piper PA-28-151 accident near South Haven, MI?
A pilot made an off-airport landing after a total loss of engine power, colliding with trees. The flight had departed five hours earlier, and fuel calculations based on a leaning technique and gauge readings indicated sufficient fuel, but FAA guidance listed a safe flight time of 4 hours 30 minutes.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Mar 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N43456, at South Haven, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The inadequate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot and the fuel exhaustion. The inadequate traffic pattern distance from the runway, which precluded his reaching the runway.
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