# NTSB CHI93LA355: Piper PA-28-181, N38602, Davison, MI, September 10, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 10, 1993, 13:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Davison, MI
- Coordinates: 43.029743, -83.510055 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0297&lon=-83.5101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9307
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA355
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9307/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA355

## Probable cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE FUEL AND FUEL EXHAUSTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.  HE MADE AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING ON A RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY.  THE PILOT REPORTED TO AN FAA INSPECTOR THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL MISMANAGEMENT AND FAILURE TO LEAN THE MIXTURE.

## Factual narrative

On September 10, 1993, about 1320 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181 airplane, N38602, experienced a loss of engine power during cruise and landed off-airport near Davison, Michigan.  The private pilot and three passengers aboard received minor injuries.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  Visual meteorological conditions existed in the area.  The personal flight originated in Appleton, Wisconsin, about 1005 EDT on a VFR flight plan and operated under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that during cruise the engine sputtered.  He then switched the selected fuel tank from the left to the right and activated the electric fuel pump.  The pilot then initiated an approach to runway 26 at Davison Airport.  Once he realized that he would not be able to make it to the airport, the pilot elected to make a forced landing onto a cleared area between two sets of railroad tracks.

In a statement made to the FAA inspector, the pilot claimed he ran out of fuel due to poor fuel management.  He also stated that he did not lean the mixture during the flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38602](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N38602-2012-09-21), registration cancelled 2012-09-21, S/N 28-7790568, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (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: 287790568
- Airframe hours: 6134
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Maxair, Inc.
- Registered owner: Maxair, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 19, 1993, 84 hours before
- Departed: ATW, APPLETON, WI
- Destination: YZR, SARNIA, ONTARIO
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: 6G0, Davison-Athelone Williams, runway 26, 3,526 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 97 total, 5 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 12 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FNT, 11 nm away

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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