# NTSB CHI93LA055: Piper PA-28-180, N8806J, West Bend, WI, December 21, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 21, 1992, 16:18 local (22:18 UTC)
- Place: West Bend, WI
- Coordinates: 43.41975, -88.180549 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4198&lon=-88.1805&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 August 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15639
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15639/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA055

## Probable cause

TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SELECT THE FUEL TANK WITH THE MOST FUEL.

## 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
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT AND EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF TO RETURN TO HIS HOME BASE.  THE PILOT MADE AN OFF-AIRPORT FORCED LANDING AND STRUCK TREES DURING THE LANDING ROLLOUT.  THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE LEFT FUEL TANK OR THE LINE FROM THE TANK TO THE CARBURETOR.  THERE WAS FUEL IN THE RIGHT TANK.  THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED ON THE LEFT TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8806J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8806J), registered now, S/N 28-2756, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-2756
- Airframe hours: 2326
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sylvania Aero Enterprises
- Registered owner: William And Connie Deubel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 27, 1992, 81 hours before
- Destination: C89, STURTEVANT, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 151 total, 5 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MWC, 19 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 19921221051029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921221051029A), Dec 21, 1992: Piper PA28180, West Bend, WI, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Force landed off airport. Fuel selector on empty left tank. Fuel in right tank.

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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