Accident Overview
On June 28, 2013, at approximately 1455 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260 airplane, registration N856CC, impacted terrain near Eagle County Regional Airport (KEGE) in Eagle, Colorado. Both pilots on board were seriously injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated on a visual flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ) in Carlsbad, California, about 0915 pacific daylight time, with a destination of KEGE.
Post-Accident Examination
The responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted an on-scene examination of the airplane. First responders found the fuel selector positioned in the left main setting. Battery power was applied to the airplane, and the engine data monitoring (EDM) unit displayed the following fuel quantities:
- Left Auxiliary Tank: 0 gallons
- Left Main Tank: 11 gallons
- Right Main Tank: 8 gallons
- Right Auxiliary Tank: 3 gallons
Each tank contained a float that was moved and allowed to settle, after which the EDM displayed lower quantities. During aircraft recovery, the tanks were drained and yielded the following amounts: left auxiliary tank was empty; left main tank contained 2 gallons; right main tank contained 9.5 gallons; and right auxiliary tank contained 2.5 gallons.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the co-pilot had borrowed the airplane for the trip. The pilot flew the airplane while the co-pilot monitored their fuel status. While approaching runway 25 at Eagle County Regional Airport, the engine stopped producing power. The co-pilot took control of the airplane and directed the pilot to attempt a restart of the engine. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted terrain.
Fuel Sender Examination
The airplane was moved to a salvage facility, where the fuel tank senders were examined. All four senders displayed signs of age, wear, and corrosion. When tested with a voltmeter, none of the floats registered a consistent electrical signal when actuated through its range of motion.