# NTSB FTW92LA046: Piper PA-28-180, N6392J, Fort Worth, TX, December 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 15, 1991, 15:24 local (21:24 UTC)
- Place: Fort Worth, TX
- Coordinates: 32.819988, -97.359977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8200&lon=-97.3600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18425
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18425/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA046

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. FACTORS WERE THE FUEL STARVATION AND THE TOUGH TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel system - starvation (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A DAYLIGHT LOCAL AREA FLIGHT, THE PRIVATE PILOT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE LEFT TANK. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT SUFFICIENT FUEL REMAINED IN THE RIGHT TANK TO SUSTAIN FLIGHT UNTIL HIS INTENDED DESTINATION. THE PILOT SELECTED UNEVEN AND ROUGH TERRAIN WHEN MORE SUITABLE AREAS FOR LANDING WERE AVAILABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6392J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6392J-2018-04-19), registration cancelled 2018-04-19, S/N 28-4807, built 1968 (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: 28-407
- Airframe hours: 3675
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George M. Grove
- Registered owner: George M. Grove
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 9, 1991
- Departed: F54, ARLINGTON, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 85 total, 30 in this make and model, 20 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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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