# NTSB investigations, 2008: Fuel starvation

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN09CA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA123.md): Cessna T210M · Fort Collins, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 31, 2008 · N732YK · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the fullest tank before landing.
- [NTSB ERA09LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA114.md): Johnson Barron T Lancair 360 · Owensboro, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2008 · N360AS · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the fuel selector valve cotter pin and the inoperative main (center) fuel tank gauge.
- [NTSB ERA09LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA108.md): Beech E18S · Fort Myers, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 2008 · N7765N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the right propeller to go to the feathered position for undetermined reasons following a total loss of right engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning.
- [NTSB ERA09LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA081.md): Merrell Stephen F1 Rocket · Sebastian, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 7, 2008 · N757SM · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel selector valve.
- [NTSB WPR09LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA046.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Monterey, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 2008 · N2383R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel system management and inflight planning that led to a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to use the landing checklist.
- [NTSB WPR09LA048](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA048.md): Hughes 369HS · Fillmore, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 2008 · N9154F · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a loose fuel filter upper drain cap, which was not properly secured by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB ANC09LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC09LA007.md): Piper PA-32R · Wasilla, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2008 · N1392H · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power in flight due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel management.
- [NTSB CEN09CA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA038.md): Beech A36 · Salina, KS · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 18, 2008 · N3112Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly manage the available fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB SEA08LA206](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA206.md): Stearman C3-B · Stevenson, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 20, 2008 · N3440 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation from a piece of disintegrating gasket material that was blocking the fuel jet. Also causal was the failure of maintenance personnel to verify the condition of the gaskets when the carburetor was examined prior to…
- [NTSB CHI08CA283](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA283.md): Mooney M20C · Bolingbrook, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 17, 2008 · N5651Q · Substantial damage
  > The non-mechanical loss of engine power due to the pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector prior to takeoff and the subsequent fuel starvation during takeoff.
- [NTSB NYC08LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA299.md): Piper PA-32-260 · Cumberland, RI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2008 · N5529J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management practices, which resulted in fuel starvation and a complete power loss. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misdiagnosis of the situation, and his cessation of trouble-shooting to positively identify and correct…
- [NTSB CHI08CA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA275.md): Cessna 150H · Bay City, MI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2008 · N23461 · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during descent due to carburetor icing. Contributing to the accident was the collapse of the nose landing gear due to rough terrain.
- [NTSB NYC08LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA270.md): Piper PA-12 · Brownsboro, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2008 · N7820H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel valve was on prior taxi and takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed following loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB MIA08LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA169.md): Piper PA-32R-301 · Oxford, MS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 2008 · N532MJ · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of maintenance personnel's failure to tighten a fuel line fitting.
- [NTSB LAX08CA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA249.md): Fowler SX300 · Cheyenne, WY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2008 · N99F · Substantial damage
  > Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB DEN08LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA125.md): Air Tractor AT-402B · Deerfield, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 20, 2008 · N61318 · Destroyed
  > The pilot inadvertently stalling the airplane. Contributing factors in this accident were the pilot intentionally performing low altitude maneuvers (side slips), unporting and starving the engine of fuel, and his initiating a climb at low airspeed.
- [NTSB LAX08CA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA228.md): Schweizer G-164B · Alturas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 13, 2008 · N3633B · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from a fuel system contamination and a clogged fuel filter. Contributing to the accident was the rough terrain.
- [NTSB DFW08CA183](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA183.md): Grumman American AA-5A · Denton, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 11, 2008 · N9678U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB LAX08CA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA224.md): Piper PA-18A-150 · Camarillo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 10, 2008 · N7471D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB LAX08CA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA215.md): Cessna 150J · Seal Beach, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 4, 2008 · N60486 · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to the pilot's improper fuel management procedures and failure to select a tank containing fuel. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC08LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC08LA085.md): Cessna 185 · McCarthy, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2008 · N80596 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was an aerodynamic stall during the emergency landing, the pilot's fatigue, and his unfamiliarity with the…
- [NTSB CHI08CA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA173.md): Beech A23A · Sheboygan, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 29, 2008 · N701DW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management that led to fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the drainage ditch.
- [NTSB NYC08CA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA288.md): Grumman American AA-5A · Carrollton, KY · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 25, 2008 · N26316 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel tank selection, which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB NYC08LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA222.md): Dennis P. McGurk F1 Rocket · Woodbine, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2008 · N623BL · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the proper tank prior to performing aerobatics.
- [NTSB DEN08LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA107.md): Ayres S2R-G6 · Pine Bluff, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2008 · N61374 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of an electrical short in the wiring to the manual fuel switch that closed the fuel valves.
- [NTSB CHI08CA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA165.md): Fetherolf CH-701 · Newton Falls, OH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 14, 2008 · N813DJ · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power during the landing approach due to fuel starvation resulting from an obstructed fuel tank vent. Factors contributing to the accident were the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the airplane's low altitude at the time…
- [NTSB DFW08CA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08CA160.md): Piper PA-28-235 · Amistad, NM · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 30, 2008 · N9122W · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation while in cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were incorrect maintenance, the fuel selector movement was impeded and a plowed field.
- [NTSB NYC08FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08FA184.md): Cessna 337A · West Creek, NJ · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 17, 2008 · N5382S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's departure with insufficient fuel for the planned flight, and his improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of power in both engines due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's fatigue, which was…
- [NTSB LAX08LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA127.md): Cessna 182H · Prescott, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 5, 2008 · N6320B · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power from fuel starvation due to the pilot's mismanagement of the fuel system and failure to select a tank containing fuel.
- [NTSB LAX08LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA118.md): Cessna C175A · Groveland, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 20, 2008 · N6868E · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a blocked fuel line that was improperly fabricated by the pilot. Also causal was the pilot's excessive ground speed during the taxi tests that resulted in an inadvertent takeoff.
- [NTSB LAX08FA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA109.md): Piper PA-23-160 · San Dimas, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2008 · N4080P · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power in the left engine due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff following the power loss.
- [NTSB LAX08LA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA107.md): Piper PA-30 · Holbrook, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 15, 2008 · N8442Y · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's fuel system mismanagement and incorrect positioning of the fuel selector valves.
- [NTSB DFW08LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW08LA095.md): Hawker Beechcraft G36 · El Dorado, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 2008 · N984W · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the fuel manifold valve's brass plug. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable landing area for the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX08LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA089.md): Cessna 180K · Redding, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2008 · N95ME · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector.
- [NTSB LAX08LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA088.md): Beech F33A · San Diego, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2008 · N3133W · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper use of the mixture control.
- [NTSB LAX08LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA056.md): Smith Zodiac 601XL · Murrieta, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2008 · N601KS · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which was induced by the electrical system lacking sufficient power to run all of the electrical devices on the airplane and the electrical fuel pump.
- [NTSB DEN08LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA053.md): Phillips Flite Bike · Valley Center, KS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2008 · N31559 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an emergency descent resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to turn on the fuel tank valve resulting in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE year(c."eventDate") = 2008
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT s.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s."tier2Number" = '191' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent"))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence?year=2008

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