# NTSB SEA91LA072: Piper PA-28-180, N7119W, Wamic, OR, April 1, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 1, 1991, 13:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Wamic, OR
- Coordinates: 45.22005, -121.260307 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.2201&lon=-121.2603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41403
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41403/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA072

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF AN EMPTY FUEL TANK FOR TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE SURGED AND LOST POWER. THE PILOT MADE A LEFT TURN TO LAND ON A TAXIWAY AND CONTACTED THE LEFT WING FIRST ON THE GROUND.  POST CRASH INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS FULL WHILE THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY OF FUEL.  THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7119W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7119W-2013-02-20), registration cancelled 2013-02-20, S/N 28-912, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-912
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Willis L. Driver
- Registered owner: Willis L. Driver
- Destination: RDM, REDMOND, OR
- Airport: Kennedy, runway 26, 2,400 × 21 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 4,572 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: DLS, 24 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 19910401008109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910401008109A), Apr 1, 1991: Piper PA28180, Wamic, OR, Destroyed. Engine quit on climbout. Tried to land on taxiway. Wing hit ground. Cartwheeled. Fuel selector on empty tank.

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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