# NTSB investigations, 2015: 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 CEN16LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA079.md): Piper 28-140 · Republic, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 2015 · N4643R · Destroyed
  > The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.
- [NTSB ERA16LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA062.md): Beech D35 · Vine Grove, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2015 · N2991B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector was properly positioned before takeoff, which resulted in the subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA16LA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA051.md): Piper PA28 · Lawrenceville, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 2015 · N3971R · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation and a subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA16LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA026.md): Piper PA31 · Weston, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2015 · N55GK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's feathering of the incorrect propeller following a total loss of right engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from maintenance personnel’s failure to reinstall the flapper valve in the right main fuel tank. Contributing to the accident…
- [NTSB WPR16LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA008.md): Cessna T210K · Boise, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 2015 · N8273M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper in-flight fuel management due to distraction and self-induced pressure, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to conduct the descent checklist, which…
- [NTSB ERA16CA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16CA011.md): Piper PA-32RT-300T · Salisbury, NC · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 13, 2015 · N300KG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent switching of the fuel selector to the "off" position on final approach, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB CEN16FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA011.md): Beech G35 · Eaton, CO · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 2015 · N394CW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of airplane control in gusting wind conditions and low-level wind shear, following a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly monitor the fuel level inflight because of his…
- [NTSB CEN16LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA012.md): Refling RV8 · Bottineau, ND · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 2015 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/builder’s failure to ensure that the fuel line was properly secured, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN16FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16FA001.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Huntsville, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 2015 · N3552K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's mismanagement off the fuel supply to the engine, which resulted in fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA15LA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA354.md): Cessna 177 · Moneta, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2015 · N2835X · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's premature retraction of the wing flaps and his subsequent failure to maintain pitch control during an attempted go-around, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident…
- [NTSB CEN15LA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA392.md): Cessna T240 · Houston, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 2015 · N452CS · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot’s inadequate fuel management and the flight instructor’s failure to verify the fuel level and fuel selector position in flight.
- [NTSB ERA15CA321](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA321.md): Quicksilver MXL II Sport · Pittsboro, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 15, 2015 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to open the fuel shutoff valve during the preflight examination of the airplane which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB CEN15LA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA354.md): Cessna C421B · Clovis, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 2015 · N726JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper management of fuel to the left engine during approach for landing, which resulted in a total loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation, and his subsequent failure to maintain control during the final landing approach, which…
- [NTSB CEN15LA355](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA355.md): World Spirit · Granbury, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2015 · N65XT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to use the fuel boost pump following the loss of engine power and the fuel system’s inadequate design, which did not allow for equalization of fuel between the fuel tanks and led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and…
- [NTSB ERA15LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA286.md): Beech A36 · Poughkeepsie, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2015 · N6677D · Substantial damage
  > A leaking fuel discharge fitting, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and an off-airport, gear-up landing.
- [NTSB ERA15LA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA258.md): Cessna T210L · Oneonta, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2015 · N59024 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ANC15LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15LA046.md): Cessna 182 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2015 · N4861D · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat.
- [NTSB ERA15FA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA221.md): BR Legend Turbine Legend · West Columbia, SC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 23, 2015 · N42BR · Destroyed
  > An engine flame-out due to fuel starvation as the result of an improperly-installed auxiliary fuel pump fitting, and the pilot's failure to promptly feather the propeller following the engine-flame out, which resulted in decreased glide capability and impact…
- [NTSB CEN15LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA216.md): Piper PA 28-235 · Huntington, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 4, 2015 · N8703W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR15LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA155.md): Cessna 140 · Crescent Lake, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 1, 2015 · N2514N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inability to restart the engine for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination…
- [NTSB WPR15LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA153.md): Cessna 170B · Centralia, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 28, 2015 · N1296D · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s incorrect installation of the fuel selector valvehandle, which resulted in fuel starvation, a loss of engine power, and a forced hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the manufacturer's checklist.
- [NTSB WPR15LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA167.md): Beech F33A · Puyallup, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2015 · N84MD · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a mechanic’s failure to properly tighten the B-nut to the fuel pump inlet during a recent annual inspection. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off despite…
- [NTSB WPR15LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA123.md): Goudie Fisher Classic · Redlands, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 3, 2015 · N417LG · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate planning for the test flight, which resulted in insufficient altitude and no suitable place to land in the event of an emergency.
- [NTSB CEN15CA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15CA158.md): Piper PA 28-140 · Kansas City, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 2, 2015 · N1513J · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA15FA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA128.md): Piper PA28 · Greensboro, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 2015 · N5985U · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power after takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of excessive wear of the fuel selector valve. Also causal was the owner/operator and maintenance personnel's inadequate maintenance, and inadequate postmaintenance inspection.
- [NTSB ANC15LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15LA010.md): Piper PA 12 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2015 · N2370M · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadvertent switching of the fuel selector to the “off” position during the attempted engine restart.
- [NTSB WPR15LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA089.md): Cirrus SR22 - NO Series · Maui (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2015 · N7YT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to transfer fuel from the aft auxiliary fuel tank to the main fuel tanks for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was ditched and not recovered.
- [NTSB CEN15LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA117.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Goodland, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 2015 · N66906 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel management and failure to conduct the engine failure emergency procedures and his improper conduct of the forced landing, which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and the subsequent high-energy impact with…
- [NTSB CEN15LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA112.md): Mooney M20C · Lonoke county, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2015 · N6474U · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB ERA15FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15FA088.md): Piper PA34 · Kuttawa, KY · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 2, 2015 · N81291 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly set the left engine fuel selector before takeoff and to recognize the incorrect setting during the flight, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power on both engines.

## 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") = 2015
  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=2015

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