# NTSB NYC92LA168: Piper PA-38-112, N2519B, Salem, CT, August 19, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 19, 1992, 13:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Salem, CT
- Location: 41.4904° N, 72.2754° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Salem, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4904&lon=-72.2754&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37211
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37211/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA168

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INACCURATE FUEL CALCULATIONS AND HIS IMPROPER DECISION TO TAKEOFF WITH A KNOWN LIMITED FUEL SUPPLY RESULTING IN FUEL EXHAUSTION AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL AIRPLANE.

## 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
  - refueling - not obtained, pilot in command
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel system - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT LANDED AT AN AIRPORT TO REFUEL, BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO PURCHASE FUEL.  HE DECIDED TO TAKEOFF AND FLY TO ANOTHER AIRPORT FOR REFUELING. DURING CRUISE, THE ENGINE QUIT AND THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD AND STRUCK A TREE DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE FAA FOUND LESS THAN ONE HALF A QUART OF FUEL IN THE FUEL TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2519B (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3879A0137
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: American Air Service, Inc.
- Registered owner: U.S.Cargo Air Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 1900
- Departed: 5B4, GRISWOLD, CT
- Destination: 42B, E.HADDAM, CT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 104 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F

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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