# NTSB Accident CHI97LA003
> **Piper PA-16** · 1996-10-05 · SILVER LAKE, IN, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** CHI97LA003
- **Event ID:** 20001208X06849
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1996-10-05
- **Location:** SILVER LAKE, IN, USA
- **Coordinates:** 41.070262, -85.170043
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 2
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 2
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-16
- **Registration:** N5749H
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

fuel starvation due to an inadequate preflight and the pilot performed a low altitude maneuver which prevented him from selecting suitable terrain for landing.  Additional factors included the loose fuel cap, fuel siphoning, and unreliable fuel gauges.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=CHI97LA003) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*