# NTSB Accident SEA97LA052
> **Piper PA-28RT-201** · 1997-01-26 · CHEHALIS, WA, USA · SERS
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=SEA97LA052) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*