NTSB Identification: FTW83LA138.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 21528.
Accident occurred Wednesday, March 02, 1983 in SHIRO, TX
Aircraft: PIPER PA-38-112, registration: N2381K
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.WHILE ON A SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY, THE STUDENT PLT BECAME DISORIENTED ON THE 3RD LEG OF THE FLT. HE REORIENTED HIMSELF, BUT THE ENG LOST POWER BEFORE HE REACHED HIS INTENDED DESTINATION. DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING, THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED SOFT TERRAIN & WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT ROLLED ACROSS A 3 FT DEEP DITCH. APRX 5 TO 6 GAL OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE LEFT TANK & ONLY ABOUT 1 GAL WAS REMAINING IN THE RIGHT TANK. UNUSABLE FUEL WAS 1 GAL PER TANK. THE STUDENT SAID THAT WHEN THE ENG LOST POWER, HE MOVED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE LEFT TANK, THEN SWITCHED TO THE RIGHT TANK & BACK TO THE LEFT TANK AGAIN WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO RESTART THE ENG.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..SOFT
Contributing Factors
BECAME LOST/DISORIENTED..INADVERTENT..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..DITCH
Contributing Factors
FLUID,FUEL..STARVATION
Contributing Factors
FUEL SYSTEM..IMPROPER USE OF..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
DIVERTED ATTENTION..PILOT IN COMMAND
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