# NTSB LAX83LA263: Piper PA-28-181, N31914, Molokai, HI, May 31, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1983, 18:00 local (May 31, 1983, 04:00 UTC)
- Place: Molokai, HI
- Coordinates: 21.07954, -157.010208 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=21.0795&lon=-157.0102&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA263
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA263

## 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
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate initial training, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD JUST BEEN CHECKED OUT IN A C-172 WHICH HE HAD BEEN FLYING THE PAST 3 DAYS. HE THEN SWITCHED ACFT AND THIS FLT WAS IN A PA-28. THE C-172 TANK SELECTOR HAS A BOTH TANKS POSITION AND THE PA-28 DOES NOT. THE TANK SELECTOR WAS ON LEFT TANK WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT SWITCHED TO ANOTHER POSITION BUT DID NOT CHECK IT VISUALLY DUE TO LOW ALTITUDE. AFTER THE LANDING THE SELECTOR WAS FOUND TO BE BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT TANK. THE LEFT TANK WAS EMPTY, THE RIGHT TANK WAS FULL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31914](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31914-2012-11-06), registration cancelled 2012-11-06, S/N 28-7890485, built 1978 (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: 28-7890485
- Airframe hours: 1387
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Nubb Aire
- Registered owner: Clayton E. Stillings
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 23, 1983
- Departed: OGG, KAHULUI, MAUI, HI
- Destination: HNO, HONOLULU, HI
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: MKK, Molokai

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 113 total, 5 in this make and model, 106 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKK, 2 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 19830530025269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830530025269A), May 30, 1983: Piper PA28181, Kaunakakai, HI, Substantial damage. Pilot run left tank dry and engine quit. Aircraft damaged during emergency landing. Right tank full of fuel.

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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