Accident Details
On August 16, 2013, at approximately 1947 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N6919B) was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The event occurred two nautical miles west of Goose Creek Airport (28A) in Indian Trail, North Carolina. The airline transport pilot was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by an individual under Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP), Tupelo, Mississippi, at 1405 CDT.
The pilot reported departing with 44 gallons of fuel onboard. After departure, the airplane climbed to and cruised at 7,500 feet, then later climbed to and cruised at 9,500 feet. During the descent for landing at 28A, while passing through 1,500 feet, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot cycled the fuel selector from the left wing tank to the right wing tank and back. He did not attempt to restart the engine but engaged the starter to change the propeller position. The pilot selected a field for the forced landing; the airplane touched down and struck a barbed wire fence before coming to rest.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an airline transport certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. He reported 5,533 total hours of flight experience, with 40 hours in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued on June 24, 2013.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a 1956 Piper PA-22-150, equipped with a Lycoming O-320 Series 180-horsepower reciprocating engine. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on February 14, 2013, at 5,048 total aircraft hours. The engine had accumulated 1,164 hours since its most recent overhaul.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA aviation safety inspector examined the airplane and noted substantial damage to the elevator and right wing leading edge. The right fuel tank gauge indicated empty, while the left fuel tank gauge indicated below ¼-full. On August 20, 2013, the inspector serviced the airplane with fuel, and continuity of the 44.0-gallon fuel system was confirmed. Using the airplane's battery and fuel system, the engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption.
Fuel Consumption Data
According to the Piper PA-22-150 Owners Handbook, at sea level, the fuel consumption rate at 75-percent power is 9 gallons per hour. The handbook also notes that fuel consumption during sea level cruising is given on a chart and is determined by various flight conditions. At 75 percent of power at altitude, fuel consumption will be somewhat higher than at that power setting at sea level, even with the mixture properly leaned.