# NTSB Accident LAX04TA161
> **WSK PZL Mielec M-18A** · 2004-03-16 · Safford, AZ, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX04TA161
- **Event ID:** 20040330X00400
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2004-03-16
- **Location:** Safford, AZ, USA
- **Coordinates:** 32.80902, -109.359893
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** WSK PZL Mielec
- **Model:** M-18A
- **Registration:** N6259N
- **FAR Part:** PUBU
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and at least one ensuing engine power surge, which caused the airplane to pitch up abruptly into a stall at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, his failure to adhere to prescribed flight manual procedures for equalizing the fuel quantity distribution between the fuel tanks, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed after the power loss.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX04TA161) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*