NYC97LA142

The pilot departed in a Piper PA-28-181 with full tanks. After flying for 2.2 hours, the engine lost power and the pilot ditched the airplane in the Hudson River. When interviewed he reported that he had not switched tanks. The FAA reported that after the airplane was recovered from the river, the right tank was full of fuel, and the left tank had about 5 gallons of water, and less than half a cup of fuel. The fuel selector was found set to the left tank.

On July 13, 1997, about 1105 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N84611, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to the Hudson River, near Jersey City, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal transportation flight which originated from Teterboro, New Jersey, about 0900. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In an interview, the pilot reported that after departure from Teterboro, he flew south, and made a landing at Lakewood, New Jersey; however, he did not shut down the engine, and taxied back for departure. After takeoff from Lakewood, about 1000, he flew inland over New Jersey, and then north over the Hudson River, about 800-900 feet above the water.

In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated:

"On my return flight to Teterboro Airport, in vicinity of Statue of Liberty, my engine started fluttering intermittently. Shortly after lost engine power completely. Immediately I started emergency procedures. Some hesitant restart occurred with pumping of throttle, all the while controlling the airplane by establishing appropriate glide speed. Notified Teterboro tower of my intention to ditch...."

After recovery from the river, the airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector from the Teterboro Flight Standards District Office. The FAA Inspector reported that the right tank was full of fuel, the left tank contained about 5 gallons of water and less than half a cup of fuel. The fuel selector was set to the left tank.

The pilot reported that he visually checked that the fuel tanks were full at the time of departure. He had cruised at a power setting of between 2,400 and 2,500 RPM, with no leaning, and he had not changed the fuel selector during the flight.

Records from the operator indicated the airplane had operated for 2.2 hours from time of departure, to power loss.