20181013019939A

On October 13,2018 approximately 1852Z (1452 EDT) Piper PA-28-180 registration number N180QTCRASHED 3 nautical miles north of cartersville airport (kvpc).

N180QT reported to depart gainesville FL (kgnv) at approximately 11:11 EDT to arrive at calhoun Georgia (kczl). Gainesville tower reported that the aircraft had radio problem and transponder not operating when the aircraft departed. Tower communicated with N180QT about the transponder and confirmed that the transponder was working prior to departing the area. Tower stated that the radio still was not clear. Part owner of N180QT witnessed the fuel quantity prior to flight in the left and right hand wing tanks were ?up to the tabs?. According to Piper, this would be an estimate of 34 gallons of fuel. During the interview by the investigator the part owner stated that a discussion of a fuel stop and he believed that the pilot was going to stop at the self-service fuel pump but passed the facility and proceeded to depart the airport. Concerned the part owner at approximately 1213 EDT texted the pilot about a fuel stop. Pilot replied at 1243 EDT that if he had to he make a fuel stop in lagrange (klgc) if needed. Radar tracking of N180QT showed that the aircraft initially was heading to lagrange (klgc) but turned away from the airport and proceeded towards the planned final designation calhoun ga (kczl). N180QT diverted towards cartersville (kvpc) and flying over paulding county airport (kpuj). Georgia power reported to the investigator that a power surge incident at approximately 14:29 EDT of possible wire contact. At approximately 16:30 to 16:40 EDT, N180QT was discovered close to the high power line and 911 called made. First responders found pilot deceased.

FAA and NTSB arrived on site-performed investigation of the aircraft. Discovered left hand fuel tank intact except for the tank drain bent due to impact but not leaking, no punctures and wing to fuselage fuel lines appear intact but no fuel found. Right hand fuel tank was intact little to no fuel was found in the tank. Engine fuel control appeared to be intact with some damage due to impact damage. Fuel selector valve appeared to be in the right fuel tank selection. Engine and airframe fuel pumps were field tested and found to be working. Aircraft to engine fuel lines were intact no leaks were noted. Engine ignition switch was in the both position and ignition components field-tested appeared to be in working order. Engine appeared to have stopped producing thrust prior to impact. Upon review of all the current factors it has been determine that probable cause was fuel exhaustion causing the engine to stop producing thrust. Afterward the aircraft may have touched or the power wires arched through the airframe, hitting a tree falling to the ground and into a low-lying area near the high power electrical lines.