# NTSB DEN07CA105: Piper PA-32-301T, N8207Z, Santa Fe, NM, June 22, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 22, 2007, 13:23 local (19:23 UTC) - Place: Santa Fe, NM - Coordinates: 35.616664, -106.086112 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6167&lon=-106.0861&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 66055 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN07CA105 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66055/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA105 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, and improper in-flight decisions resulting in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area (contributing factor) - terrain condition - rough/uneven - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly ## Analysis The pilot reported being approximately 7,200 feet, 3 miles south of the airport, when the airplane's engine began to run rough. The pilot turned back toward the airport and then determined that he would not be able to reach it. About that time, the engine "stopped completely." The pilot decided to attempt a forced landing to a hilly pasture. During the forced landing the airplane impacted the rough terrain, the landing gear sheared off, and the right wing bent upward approximately 3 feet inboard of the tip. Inspectors at the scene reported the right wing was also broken aft at the wing root. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. An examination of the airplane showed the left wing fuel tank empty. The right wing fuel tank showed some residual fuel. The airplane's fuel selector valve was positioned to the left wing fuel tank. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine, engine controls, and other airplane systems showed no anomalies. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported being approximately 7,200 feet, 3 miles south of the airport, when the airplane's engine began to run rough. The pilot turned back toward the airport and then determined that he would not be able to reach it. About that time, the engine "stopped completely." The pilot decided to attempt a forced landing to a hilly pasture. During the forced landing the airplane impacted the rough terrain, the landing gear sheared off, and the right wing bent upward approximately 3 feet inboard of the tip. Inspectors at the scene reported the right wing was also broken aft at the wing root. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. An examination of the airplane showed the left wing fuel tank empty. The right wing fuel tank showed some residual fuel. The airplane's fuel selector valve was positioned to the left wing fuel tank. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine, engine controls, and other airplane systems showed no anomalies. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8207Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8207Z-2008-03-13), registration cancelled 2008-03-13, S/N 32-8124031, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-32-301T - Registry model: [Piper PA-32-301T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-301t) (registry code 7103209) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32-8124031 - Engines: Lycoming TIO-540 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Sale Reported - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: Scottsdale, AZ - Destination: SAF, Santa Fe, NM - Flight plan: IFR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 1,628 total, 412 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20070622011719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070622011719A), Jun 22, 2007: Piper PA32301T, Santa Fe, NM, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot [privacy data omitted] began an approach to ksaf runway 28 with winds reported to be from 330 @ 26, G45. He elected to abort the landing and… 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.