On June 23, 2004, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N9578C) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and the subsequent collision with a building. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On June 23, 2004, an airplane experienced engine sputtering and stoppage during climb-out, leading to a nose-down collision with a commercial building. Post-accident examination found no fuel in the carburetor and only trace amounts in fuel lines.
Accident Sequence
During climb-out at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the pilot transmitted a 'MAYDAY MAYDAY' distress call. Witnesses on the ground reported that the engine began making a sputtering noise before ceasing operation. The tower controller observed the airplane initiating a left turn before it descended out of sight. No further radio transmissions were received from the pilot. The airplane subsequently collided nose-down into the roof of a commercial building located about half a mile from the departure end of Runway 13.
Post-Crash Examination
All flight control surfaces and components were accounted for and identified at the wreckage site. The fuel tank sustained compression damage to its leading edge and was breached; no hydraulic-type damage was noted. Disassembly of the carburetor revealed no fuel in the bowl or the acceleration pump. The engine-driven fuel pump contained no fuel, and only trace amounts were found in the fuel lines. The gascolator was crush-damaged, with its bowl separated. The fuel boost pump was disassembled, and no filter blockage was observed; a trace amount of fuel was found inside the pump. No fuel was detected at the accident site. Prior to the accident flight, the airplane had been refueled with 16 gallons of 100LL aviation gasoline.
What happened in the 23 Jun 2004 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Fort Lauderdale, FL?
On June 23, 2004, an airplane experienced engine sputtering and stoppage during climb-out, leading to a nose-down collision with a commercial building. Post-accident examination found no fuel in the carburetor and only trace amounts in fuel lines.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jun 2004 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N9578C, at Fort Lauderdale, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in an inadvertent stall, and the subsequent collision with a building.
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