NTSB Factual Report

On December 1, 2004, approximately 1420 central standard time, a Piper PA-24-250 single-engine airplane, N7706P, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from the Pecan Plantation Airport (0TX1), near Granbury, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for the Grayson County Airport (GYI), near Sherman, Texas.

The 4,500-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he departed from Runway 18 with the left main fuel tank selected. At an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine "lost power." The pilot immediately verified that the electric fuel pump was turned on and mixture was set to rich. The pilot then switched to the right main fuel tank before switching back to the left main fuel tank. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field approximately 1/2 mile south of the airport within a residential area. During the descent, the airplane struck trees approximately 35 feet in height before impacting terrain. The airplane came to rest in the upright position approximately 180 degrees from the original direction of travel.

The pilot further reported that earlier in the morning, he had requested that the local Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at GYI pull the airplane out of the hangar and top off with 100 Low Lead aviation fuel. Upon arriving at GYI, the pilot had realized the airplane had not been refueled. The pilot stated that he was running late and elected to have the FBO only fill the left and right auxiliary fuel tanks. After refueling, he noted that the right main fuel tank and left and right auxiliary fuel tanks were full and there were "only a few gallons" in the left wing fuel tank. After departure from GYI, the pilot stated he selected the right auxiliary fuel tank for the flight, and then selected the left main fuel tank prior to landing at 0TX1.

The pilot added that this was the first time he had ever refueled the airplane without topping off both main wing tanks, and subconsciously thought the left main fuel tank was full prior to departure.

Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the outboard portion of the right wing was crushed upwards and aft. The trailing edge of the left wing was wrinkled near the wing root. The fuselage was wrinkled aft of the baggage compartment to the empennage. The landing gear was observed in the retracted position. The Lycoming O-540-A1D5 engine remained attached to its mounts, and the firewall was bent. Two of the three propeller blades were crushed aft. One propeller blade was free of damage. No visible fuel was found in the left main fuel tank, but fuel was observed in the right main fuel tank and left and right auxiliary fuel tanks. During the aircraft recovery, the recovery company reported they had drained approximately four tablespoons of fuel out of the left fuel tank.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.