Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA91FA025

ENUMCLAW, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N13UW

PIPER PA31

Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT FAILED TO PLAN FOR THE EFFECTS OF KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER, INCLUDING STRONG WINDS ALOFT AND MOUNTAIN WAVE ACTIVITY. THE PILOT OVERFLEW SEVERAL POSSIBLE FUEL STOPS, CONTINUING ON TOWARD THE DESTINATION UNTIL THE FUEL WAS EXHAUSTED. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH HEAVILY WOODED TERRAIN AFTER THE LOSS OF POWER TO BOTH ENGINES.

Probable Cause and Findings

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATIONS, AND POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISIONS. THE PILOT ELECTED TO FLY INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND DID NOT CALCULATE FUEL CONSUMPTION FOR THE PLANNED FLIGHT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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