# NTSB SEA93LA007: Piper PA-38-112, N24563, Spokane, WA, October 11, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 11, 1992, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Spokane, WA
- Coordinates: 47.649703, -117.310012 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6497&lon=-117.3100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42951
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA93LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42951/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA007

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: FUEL EXHAUSTION AND INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS.

## 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 - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - approach light/navaid

## Analysis

DURING A SOLO CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT JUST BEFORE HIS LAST DEPARTURE FOR THE RETURN LEG HOME, HE INCORRECTLY CALCULATED THE REMAINING FUEL ON BOARD AND DID NOT REFUEL THE AIRPLANE. WHEN APPROXIMATELY TEN MILES FROM THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, THE LEFT FUEL TANK EXHAUSTED OF FUEL. THE PILOT SWITCHED TO THE RIGHT FUEL TANK THAT EXHAUSTED OF FUEL APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES FROM THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED AN APPROACH TO RUNWAY 21L, THEN SWITCHED TO 21R TO TRY AND LAND ON THE OVERRUN. AN AIRPORT BOUNDARY FENCE IS PRESENT AT THE END OF THE OVERRUN. IN ORDER TO AVOID STRIKING THE FENCE, THE PILOT HAD TO PULL THE AIRPLANE UP AND OVER THE FENCE. THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND DROPPED TO THE GROUND, STRIKING THE RUNWAY APPROACH LIGHTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24563](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24563-2018-03-12), registration cancelled 2018-03-12, S/N 38-79A1132, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A1132
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Loranger Aviation
- Registered owner: Vaughn, Gerald W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Departed: LWS, LEWISTON, ID
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: SFF, Felts Fld, runway 21, 4,500 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 35 total, 21 in this make and model, 7 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19921011041629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921011041629A), Oct 11, 1992: Piper PA38112, Spokane, WA, Substantial damage. Cross country. Exhausted fuel two miles from airport. Tried land on over run 21R pulled up avoid fence. Stalled.s

## Other investigations on N24563 (1)

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.

- [NTSB SEA80DYP12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA80DYP12), Jan 31, 1980: Piper PA-38 (N24563), Sandpoint, ID, substantial damage

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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