On November 8, 2004, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N411CP) was involved in an aviation accident near Chamblee, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power. . This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot declared an emergency but collided with a house during forced landing. Investigation found fuel starvation: main tanks empty, right tip tank separated, no fuel in lines.
Incident Description
Shortly after departure, the engine began to sputter and lose power. The pilot attempted to restore power but was unsuccessful. A distress call was made, and during the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft struck a house.
Post-Accident Examination
Inspection of the airplane revealed that the left and right main fuel tanks contained no fuel. The left tip tank held approximately five gallons of fuel. The right tip tank had separated from the aircraft during the collision sequence, and no browning of grass or fuel remnants were observed at its location. Additionally, fuel was absent from the fuel lines connecting the right tip tank to the engine. The engine itself was tested and ran successfully.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that the airplane had departed with 14 gallons of fuel in the right tip tank.