Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX91LA400

FRENCH GULCH, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N6414P

PIPER PA-24-250

Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED NUT TREE AIRPORT, VACAVILLE, CA, FOR A 1-HOUR FLIGHT TO TRINITY CENTER, CA WITH 10 GALLONS OF FUEL. WHEN THE AIRPLANE WAS 41 MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT THE ENGINE POWER CEASED AND THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A SMALL BRUSHED COVERED FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A MANZANITA BUSH. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THERE WAS NO FUEL REMAINING IN ANY OF THE FUEL TANKS.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH VEGETATION AND FUEL EXHAUSTION.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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