# NTSB SEA92FA024: Piper PA-24-250, Everett, WA, November 30, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 29, 1991, 18:30 local (Nov 30, 1991, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Everett, WA
- Coordinates: 47.98011, -122.20079 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.9801&lon=-122.2008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41564
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92FA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41564/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92FA024

## Probable cause

FUEL STARVATION DUE TO IMPROPER PROCEDURES BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND. FACTORS INCLUDE LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT, NON-FUNCTIONING FLIGHT COMPARTMENT LIGHTS, AND NON-SUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Analysis

THE PIPER PA-24-250 COLLIDED WITH SLOPING TERRAIN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY WHILE ATTEMPTING A FORCED LANDING.  THE PILOTS HAD BEEN USING A FLASHLIGHT IN LIEU OF INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING.  ACCORDING TO NORMAL FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, AT LEAST 1.5 HOURS OF FUEL SHOULD HAVE REMAINED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  THE FUEL SYSTEM OF THIS AIRCRAFT WAS MODIFIED FROM STANDARD IN THAT WINGTIP FUEL TANKS HAD BEEN INSTALLED, WITH TWO FUEL SELECTORS RATHER THAN ONE.  THE RIGHT MAIN FUEL TANK WAS SELECTED ON, THE LEFT SELECTOR WAS OFF, THE FUEL SEDIMENT BOWL WAS BROKEN, AND THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND ON A SLOPE, ALLOWING REMAINING FUEL TO BE DRAINED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight compartment light(s) - inoperative (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: CFKTQ (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-295
- Airframe hours: 2393
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1A5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fraser, David C.
- Registered owner: Fraser, David C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 21, 1991, 7 hours before
- Departed: 3S8, GRANTS PASS, OR
- Destination: BLI, BELLINGHAM, WA
- Airport: PAE, Paine Field, runway 16, 9,010 × 150 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,358 total, 18 in this make and model, 1,313 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 300° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PAE, 1 nm away

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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