# NTSB SEA92LA017: Piper PA-24-250, N6072P, Belt, MT, November 14, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 14, 1991, 09:20 local (16:20 UTC)
- Place: Belt, MT
- Coordinates: 47.260978, -110.87001 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.2610&lon=-110.8700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41609
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41609/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA017

## Probable cause

A BLOCKED FUEL VENT AND AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel system,vent - blocked(total) (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Complete gear collapsed, landing
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE RETARDED THE THROTTLE SETTING TO EXTEND THE GEAR, BUT GOT NO RESPONSE WHEN HE TRIED TO INCREASE THE POWER AFTER THE GEAR WAS EXTENDED.  HE WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE AIRSTRIP AND LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING, THE GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DAMAGED.  AN EXAM OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THAT THE VENT FOR THE LEFT TANK WAS BLOCKED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6072P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6072P-2021-10-30), registration cancelled 2021-10-30, S/N 24-1168, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-1168
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1A5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Martin A. Dawson
- Registered owner: Martin A. Dawson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, BELT, MT
- Airport: NONE, Dawson Ranch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total, 525 in this make and model, 600 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GTF, 25 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 19911114051499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911114051499A), Nov 14, 1991: Piper PA24250, Belt, MT, Substantial damage. Left fuel tank vent blocked, engine quit turning final due cavatation of fuel. Landed hard,short of runway.

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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