SERS · Piper PA-28RT-201 · 1997-01-26 · CHEHALIS, WA, USA
Event
NTSB number
SEA97LA052
Event ID
20001208X07365
Type
Accident
Date
1997-01-26
Location
CHEHALIS, WA, USA
Coordinates
46.619293, -123.000335
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
1
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
Piper
Model
PA-28RT-201
Registration
N344LC
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The failure of the first pilot to conduct an adequate preflight inspection, and his failure to properly manage the aircraft fuel supply. This led to fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. Factors contributing to the accident are the false indication of the left cockpit fuel quantity gage due to the presence of a foreign substance and a deformed face plate, and unsuitable terrain available for a successful forced landing.