# NTSB MIA92LA048: Piper J-4E, N38153, Timmonsville, SC, December 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 15, 1991, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Timmonsville, SC
- Coordinates: 33.769222, -80.010879 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7692&lon=-80.0109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33045
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33045/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA048

## Probable cause

TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER (NONMECHANICAL) DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, A FORCED LANDING, AND IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fuel system,tank - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING HIS AIRPLANE AT 1,000 FEET AGL IN VFR CONDITIONS WHEN THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.  THE PILOT CONDUCTED A FORCED LANDING TO A FRESHLY PLOWED FIELD.  THE AIRPLANE STALLED ON FINAL APPROACH, LANDED HARD, AND SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE PILOT WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AND THE PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE AND FUEL SYSTEM BY THE FAA, REVEALED THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED FUEL EXHAUSTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38153](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N38153), registered now, S/N 41568, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J-4E
- Registry model: [Piper J4E](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j4e) (registry code 7100610) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 41568
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-75 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Broad, Jacob M., Jr.
- Registered owner: Broad, Jacob M., Jr.
- Departed: 58J, TIMMONSVILLE, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 140 total, 20 in this make and model, 78 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 5 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLO, 10 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 19911215056329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911215056329A), Dec 15, 1991: Piper J4E, Timmonsville, SC, Substantial damage. Engine quit on photo flight. Impacted hard in plowed field on landing. Fuel tank was found empty.

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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