Accident Summary
On October 25, 2009, at 1410 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7220W, collided with a tree while executing a forced landing after a loss of engine power near Pilot Country Airport (X05), Brooksville, Florida. The pilot and a passenger sustained serious injuries; the airplane incurred substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight from Hidden Lake Airport (FA40), New Port Richey, Florida, to Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH), Zephyrhills, Florida.
Pilot and Preflight Information
The pilot stated the flight's purpose was to add fuel at ZPH. During preflight, he visually checked the fuel levels and noted one tank had more fuel than the other. Based on his calculations from the prior 25 hours of flight time in the recently purchased airplane, he estimated fuel consumption at 8.5 to 9 gallons per hour. He believed a total of 12 gallons of usable fuel were on board at departure. The airplane had been topped off on October 19, 2009, with a total fuel capacity of 50 gallons, of which 2 were unusable. Between that top-off and the accident, the pilot had flown eight flights of 30 minutes each between FA40 and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL).
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
About 10 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 2,800 feet above mean sea level, the engine quit without warning. The pilot aimed for X05, which he saw to his left. He attempted two restarts, switching fuel tank positions, but the engine did not restart. He could not recall if the propeller rotated during restart attempts. During the landing approach to runway 36 at X05, the right wing collided with a tree. The airplane then impacted the ground left-wing-low and nose-low about 400 yards short of the airport. Both occupants exited and called for assistance.
Wreckage and Fuel Examination
First responders reported no visual indication or odor of fuel at the accident site. An FAA inspector observed approximately 1/4 gallon of fuel in the right wing tank and no fuel in the left wing tank. The fuel gascolator had separated from the airplane, and the fuel tank selector was in the right tank position. The wreckage recovery crew collected a total of 3 quarts of aviation fuel from the airplane during recovery.
Engine Run
An engine run was conducted at the salvage recovery facility with NTSB oversight. The engine was attached to the airframe (minus wings) and secured on a trailer. Due to impact damage, the propeller and flywheel were replaced with serviceable components. A fuel supply was connected, and the engine started and produced power at high and low rpm settings.
Fuel System Notes
The airplane's Type Certificate Data Sheets list a fuel capacity of 50 gallons usable, with 2 gallons unusable. The Textron Lycoming Operator's Manual for the O-360 engine series references a fuel consumption of 10.5 gallons per hour at 75% power.