Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA91FA073

BUTTE, MT, USA

Aircraft #1

N7133Y

PIPER PA-30

Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE PIPER PA-30 DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AFTER FAILURE OF BOTH ENGINES, AFTER THREE ILS APPROACH ATTEMPTS. DURING THE LANDING AFTER HIS EMERGENCY DESCENT, THE RIGHT WING-TIP STRUCK THE SNOW-COVERED SURFACE AND THE AIRCRAFT SLID TO A STOP SIDEWAYS. A TOTAL OF 10.75 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINED IN THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN ALOFT APPROXIMATELY 5.25 HOURS. WEATHER AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT WAS VFR.

Probable Cause and Findings

INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISIONS, FUEL STARVATION, AND FAILURE TO PERFORM ALTERNATIVE IFR APPROACH PROCEDURES. FACTORS INCLUDE OPERATION WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT, DISORIENTATION, AND LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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