# NTSB FTW93LA056: Piper PA-28-140, N4578R, Slaton, TX, December 26, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 25, 1992, 20:49 local (Dec 26, 1992, 02:49 UTC)
- Place: Slaton, TX
- Coordinates: 33.429313, -101.639335 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4293&lon=-101.6393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 3 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18629
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW93LA056
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18629/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA056

## Probable cause

THE TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER FUEL TANK SELECTION. A FACTOR THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## 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 (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT, WHO HELD AN EXPIRED STUDENT CERTIFICATE, HAD THE RIGHT FUEL TANK REFUELED WITH 88 OCTANE AUTOMOTIVE GAS BEFORE DEPARTING FOR THE NIGHT FLIGHT WITH THREE PASSENGERS. THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB OUT FROM THE AIRPORT, A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED AND THE PILOT WAS FORCED TO LAND ON A SLOPE IN A CANYON. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AND POWERPLANT DID NOT REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL ANOMALIES. HOWEVER, THE FUEL SELECTOR HANDLE WAS FOUND POSITIONED ON THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE POWERPLANT HAD BEEN CONVERTED UNDER AN STC TO USE AUTOMOTIVE GASOLINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4578R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4578R-2012-11-14), registration cancelled 2012-11-14, S/N 28-21320, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-21320
- Airframe hours: 4297
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fitzgerald, James F.
- Registered owner: Fitzgerald, James F.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 29, 1991, 135 hours before
- Departed: F49

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; medical: expired; seat: left; flight hours: 85 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 14,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBB, 14 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 19921225051849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921225051849A), Dec 25, 1992: Piper PA28140, Slaton, TX, Destroyed. Engine quit shortly after night takeoff. Struck canyon wall. Put fuel in right tank. Fuel selector on empty 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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