# NTSB MIA87LA107: Piper PA-24-250, N6290P, Meridian, MS, March 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 14, 1987, 12:55 local (18:55 UTC)
- Place: Meridian, MS
- Coordinates: 32.239784, -90.27909 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2398&lon=-90.2791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31873
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31873/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA107

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT DID NOT ASSURE THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE AIRCRAFT FUEL TANKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. DURING THE FLIGHT THE PILOT CANCELED A PLANNED FUEL STOP AND CONTINUED TO HIS DESTINATION. THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION 2 1/2 MILES SHORT OF THE DESTINATION AND STRUCK A TREE AND THEN THE GROUND DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6290P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6290P-2013-04-29), registration cancelled 2013-04-29, S/N 24-1400, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 241400
- Airframe hours: 5395
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-AIA5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Walter R.Hublein
- Registered owner: Walter R. Hublein
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1986
- Departed: MAF, MIDLAND, TX
- Destination: MEI, MERIDIAN, MS
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: MEI, Key Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 192 total, 8 in this make and model, 192 as pilot in command, 61 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEI, 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 19870314005969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870314005969A), Mar 14, 1987: Piper PA24250, Meridian, MS, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion. The aircraft struck trees on landing. Pilot failed to check 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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