# NTSB SEA85LA112: Piper PA-28-181, N8300Z, Tacoma, WA, May 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 16, 1985, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Tacoma, WA
- Coordinates: 47.28947, -122.619338 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.2895&lon=-122.6193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40157
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40157/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA112

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Undershoot, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ENGINE CEASED OPERATIVE WHILE ON RIGHT BASE FOR RWY 35 DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE PLT RAN THE LEFT TANK DRY. THE RIGHT TANK CONTAINED FULL FUEL. THE PLT HAD BEEN USED TO FLYING CESSNA'S.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8300Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8300Z-1988-07-12), registration cancelled 1988-07-12, S/N 288390011 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28839001
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-AYM 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Paul Jensen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 12, 1985
- Departed: 75S, BURLINGTON, WA
- Destination: TIW, TACOMA, WA
- Airport: TIW, Tacoma Industrial

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 293 total, 6 in this make and model, 123 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TIW

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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