# NTSB NYC87LA255: Piper PA-28-140, N15793, Emmaus, PA, September 15, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1987, 19:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Emmaus, PA
- Coordinates: 40.529857, -75.490348 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5299&lon=-75.4903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA255
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA255

## 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 system - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - not corrected (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate transition/upgrade training, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DRG FLT, THE ENG LOST POWER OVER A RESIDENTIAL AREA & THE PLT SELECTED A SMALL FENCED-IN OPENING FOR AN EMERGENCY LNDG. HE SAID HE CRASHED NOSEWHEEL 1ST, THEN SKIDDED INTO A CYCLONE FENCE. AFTER THE ACDNT, THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FND POSITIONED TO THE RGT TANK WHICH WAS EMPTY. THE LEFT TANK STILL HAD 18 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINING. THE PLT SAID THAT HE HAD BEEN TRAINED IN CESSNA 150 & 152 ACFT WHICH DO NOT REQUIRE MANUALLY CHANGING FUEL TANKS. ALSO, HE STATED THAT 'IN A CRUISE SITUATION, THE THOUGHT OF CHANGING TANKS NEVER ENTERED MY MIND.'  HE HAD ONLY 97 HRS TOTAL TIME WITH 5 HRS IN THIS MAKE & MODEL OF ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15793](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15793-1995-04-29), registration cancelled 1995-04-29, S/N 287325166 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7325166
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Basco Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ALLENTOWN, PA
- Destination: POTTSTOWN, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 97 total, 5 in this make and model, 28 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 290° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 57 °F

## 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 19870915053029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870915053029A), Sep 15, 1987: Piper PA28140, Emmaus, PA, Substantial damage. Ran a fuel tank dry and failed to switch tanks. Crash landed in a basketball court and struck a chain link fence.

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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