# NTSB CEN20LA015: Piper PA22, N2621P, White Bear Township, MN, October 27, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: October 27, 2019, 10:55 local (15:55 UTC) - Place: White Bear Township, MN - Coordinates: 45.116664, -92.996109 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1167&lon=-92.9961&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 100495 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN20LA015 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/100495/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100495 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA015 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank before departure, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: use of checklist](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 336 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063030/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action selection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 397 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid management (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Piper PA-22-150, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=7102210), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that his preflight inspection revealed 18 gallons of fuel in the left tank and "no fuel in the right tank." After an engine run-up, he initiated a takeoff; he reported that he did not recall any further events of the flight. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and terrain about 1/4 mile from the runway and came to rest near a ditch. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, and the fuel selector valve was in the right tank position. The gascolator was intact and contained no fuel. It is likely that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank. ## Factual narrative On October 27, 2019, about 1055 central daylight time, a Piper PA22-150 airplane, N2621P, impacted terrain during a takeoff from Benson Airport (6MN9), White Bear Township, Minnesota. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged during the impact. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the area about the time of the accident, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating from 6MN9 at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that this was the first flight of the day and he conducted a preflight examination of the airplane to include "trims." The pilot reported the fuel quantity was 18 gallons in the left tank, the engine had 5 quarts oil, and he indicated that there was "no fuel in the right tank." He taxied the airplane on runway 13 and performed a "running" carb check and magneto test. At end of runway 13, the pilot turned the airplane and broadcast the flight's takeoff on runway 31 and enter the traffic pattern. He started the takeoff on runway 31 and did not remember anything further about the flight. According to information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane impacted a tree and terrain about 1/4 mile northwest of the departure end of runway 31. It came to rest near a ditch. At 1045, the recorded weather at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (Janes Field), near Minneapolis, Minnesota, was: Wind 300° at 10 kts, gusting to 15 kts; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition overcast clouds at 2,000 ft; temperature 7° C; dew point 2° C; altimeter 29.90 inches of mercury. The temperature and dew point spread were plotted on a carburetor icing chart. Their intersection on the icing chart indicated a probability of carburetor icing at any power setting. An FAA Inspector examined the wreckage after the accident and photo documented the airplane controls. The inspector indicated that the right fuel tank was found dry. The quantity of liquid present in the left fuel tank had a visual appearance of about 5 gallons. The fuel selector valve was positioned to the right fuel tank. The gascolator/strainer was intact and found to be dry when examined. The engine was not bound and it turned when rotated by hand. The airplane owner's handbook, in part, stated: Two 18-gallon fuel tanks located in the wings provide fuel storage in the Tri-Pacer. ... The main fuel strainer, through which all fuel going to the carburetor flows, is located on the lower left engine side of the firewall. … Before take-off, it is very important that the fuel selector be checked to make sure it is on the proper tank. CAUTION When fuel quantity in right tank is 1/3 or less use only in level flight. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2621P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2621P-2020-10-03), registration cancelled 2020-10-03, S/N 22-2957, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA22 (150) - Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-2957 - Year built: 1955 - Airframe hours: 2677.61 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: April 16, 2019 - Departed: 6MN9, White Bear Township, MN - Destination: 6MN9, White Bear Township, MN - Airport: 6MN9, Benson, runway 30, 2,000 × 75 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: Electronic flight bag or handheld device, ADS-B, Satellite tracking device ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 78; injuries: serious; flight instructor, commercial, flight engineer, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 2, 2018; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 7,957 total, 315 in this make and model, 7,409 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 10 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: KANE, 10 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 20191027020479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20191027020479A), Oct 27, 2019: Piper PA-22-150, White Bear Town, MN, Destroyed. Pilot departed on runway 30 was unable to maintain climb after lift-off, made a hard left turn made contact with a tree 150 yards from the departure end of the… ## Other investigations on N2621P (1) 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. - [NTSB MKC66F0098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC66F0098), May 30, 1965: Piper PA-22 (N2621P), Fairbault, MN, substantial damage ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 3, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100495. 6.0 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120 1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480440&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120%201-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record – Communication Summary -- G McDaniel, Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 65 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480441&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20%E2%80%93%20Communication%20Summary%20--%20G%20McDaniel,%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Witness Statements - P Pedersen (item 3, .PDF, 65 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480442&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements%20-%20P%20Pedersen-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector's Statement - Communication Summary -- E Martin, MSP FSDO (item 4, .PDF, 64 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480443&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement%20-%20Communication%20Summary%20--%20E%20Martin,%20MSP%20FSDO-Master.PDF - Photos - Supplied Photos (item 5, .PDF, 10 photos, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480444&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos%20-%20Supplied%20Photos-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous Information - POH Excerpt (item 6, .PDF, 827 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480445&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%20Information%20-%20POH%20Excerpt-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records - Local METAR ANE (item 7, .PDF, 46 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480446&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records%20-%20Local%20METAR%20ANE-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous Information - Icing Chart (item 8, .PDF, 168 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480447&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%20Information%20-%20Icing%20Chart-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120 15 (item 9, .PDF, 172 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40480448&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120%2015-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.