Accident Overview
On June 20, 2022, at approximately 1315 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane, registration N9676J, sustained substantial damage during an off-airport landing near Laurinburg, North Carolina. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The pilot reported that he arrived at Raleigh Executive Jetport (TTA) in Sanford, North Carolina, after a long cross-country flight. He believed the airplane contained about 10 total gallons of fuel upon landing (approximately 5 gallons in each tank), based on fuel gauge readings. He departed TTA shortly after 1300 for Lumberton Regional Airport (LBT), with an intermediate fuel stop planned at Laurinburg/Maxton Airport (MEB) because the fuel was out of service at LBT.
Shortly after takeoff from TTA, the fuel gauges indicated less than 5 gallons per tank. About 15 to 20 miles north of MEB, the engine began to sputter. The pilot switched the fuel selector from the right tank to the left, and engine power returned temporarily. He then navigated toward runway 23 at MEB and announced a straight-in approach on the common traffic advisory frequency.
Approximately 3 miles from the runway, the engine sputtered again. The pilot switched the fuel selector back to the right tank, after which the engine lost all power, though the propeller continued to windmill. The power loss occurred at 2,700 feet mean sea level (about 2,400 feet above ground level). Determining he could not reach the runway, the pilot maneuvered toward a small service road and performed an off-airport landing.
During the landing roll, the left wing struck a metal object, causing the airplane to veer into a chain-link fence adjacent to the road. The left wing sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and engine several days after the accident. The right fuel tank contained less than 1 cup of fuel. The left tank contained less than 1/2 gallon, but a fuel leak was observed at the left wing root. No areas of possible fuel leakage were found elsewhere. The drained fuel was free of debris.
During a postaccident test run, the engine started and produced normal power after approximately 4 gallons of fuel was added to the right tank. The right fuel gauge displayed an accurate measurement with this added fuel.
Pilot Statement
After the accident, the pilot stated that he believed the loss of engine power was due to a “loss of fuel.” He further noted that he should have added fuel at TTA and that he was “over trustful” of the fuel gauges.