Accident Summary
On November 28, 2014, at approximately 1110 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24 airplane, registration N5897P, sustained substantial damage following a total loss of engine power while en route to Andrews University Airpark (C20) in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The pilot, who was the registered owner, along with a copilot and two passengers, were seriously injured. The flight operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight and had filed an instrument flight plan.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The airplane departed from Richmond Municipal Airport in Richmond, Indiana, under visual meteorological conditions. The pilot planned a 70-minute flight to C20. He noted that the fixed base operator at his departure airport was closed and fuel was not available. Based on a previous flight two days earlier, he calculated that the airplane had 90 minutes of fuel on board.
Narrative
As the pilot approached his intended destination, he encountered adverse weather and decided to circle until conditions improved. After the weather cleared, he lined up for a final approach to the runway. Approximately 4 miles from the runway, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power, which the pilot attributed to fuel exhaustion. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane impacted trees and terrain.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, copilot, and two passengers all sustained serious injuries. The airplane's fuselage and wings were substantially damaged as a result of the impact.