# NTSB ATL90LA086: Piper PA-32, N5524J, Bolivar, TN, March 27, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 27, 1990, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Bolivar, TN
- Coordinates: 35.259799, -88.989738 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2598&lon=-88.9897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8223
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90LA086
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8223/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA086

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO PROPERLY SELECT A TANK WITH SUFFICIENT FUEL PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF, AS THE AIRCRAFT WAS CLIMBING THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 300 FT OVER THE RUNWAY, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A DITCH DURING A FORCED LANDING AND WAS DAMAGED.  THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD NOT PLACED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO A TANK WITH SUFFICIENT FUEL.  THE AIRCRAFT HAD ABOUT 45 GAL OF FUEL AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE AND BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW HAD BOTH EXPIRED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5524J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5524J-2018-01-24), registration cancelled 2018-01-24, S/N 32-983, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-983
- Airframe hours: 4512
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: F. M. Spears
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 7, 1990, 41 hours before
- Destination: TGC, TRENTON, TN
- Airport: M08, Belivar-Hardeman, runway 36, 4,000 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 4,000 total, 300 in this make and model, 3,950 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKL, 24 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19900327006289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900327006289A), Mar 27, 1990: Piper PA32260, Bolivar, TN, Substantial damage. Took off with fuel selector on empty tank. Engine quit, tried to turn back, dragged wing and slid into a ditch.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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