On February 9, 2005, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6399W) was involved in an aviation accident near Superior, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to the pilot's inadequate planning/decision and improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the berm. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot made an unscheduled landing due to low fuel indications. While maneuvering, the engine lost power. After a brief restart, it failed again. The airplane landed in a clearing, but the nose gear struck a berm, causing substantial damage. Fuel was found unevenly distributed with selector on left tank.
Incident Sequence
The pilot elected to make an unscheduled landing after observing that both fuel gauges indicated less than one-quarter full. While maneuvering in the traffic pattern to allow another airplane on the runway adequate time to depart, the engine began to run rough and subsequently lost power completely. The pilot followed the checklist to restart the engine. Near the end of the runway, power was restored but only briefly; the engine failed a second time, and no further restart attempt was made. A clearing was identified for landing. After touchdown and rollout, the nose gear impacted a berm, causing the nose gear to fail aft and resulting in substantial damage to the firewall.
Post-Accident Examination
During recovery, approximately one quart of fuel was observed in the right fuel tank and 5.5 gallons in the left tank. The fuel selector was found positioned in the LEFT TANK position. The pilot reported that prior to the engine quitting, he thought the fuel selector was in the RIGHT TANK position but could not confirm whether he moved it to the LEFT TANK position when the engine stopped. A post-accident examination revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
What happened in the 9 Feb 2005 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Superior, MT?
A pilot made an unscheduled landing due to low fuel indications. While maneuvering, the engine lost power. After a brief restart, it failed again. The airplane landed in a clearing, but the nose gear struck a berm, causing substantial damage. Fuel was found unevenly distributed with selector on left tank.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 2005 Piper PA-28-140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Feb 2005 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6399W, at Superior, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A loss of engine power due to the pilot's inadequate planning/decision and improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation. A contributing factor was the berm.
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