Dec. 12, Wales, Maine / Piper Tri-Pacer

At about 15:30 EST, a Piper PA22-108 lost power during the initial climb from Wales Airport and was damaged in the ensuing forced landing. Neither occupant was injured. The pilot told investigators the airplanes engine sputtered and lost total power at about 200 feet agl. The pilot initiated a right turn and performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing the airplane contacted the top of a knoll and nosed over. No fuel was found in the airplanes fuel tank or gascolator and there was no evidence of a fuel spill. The pilot reported both of the airplanes fuel gauges were indicating one-half full at the time of the accident....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Piper PA22-108 lost total engine power at 200 feet during initial climb, resulting in a forced landing that damaged the aircraft but left both occupants uninjured.
  • Investigators found no fuel in the aircraft's tank or gascolator, with no evidence of a spill, strongly suggesting fuel exhaustion as the cause.
  • The pilot reported that both fuel gauges indicated one-half full at the time of the accident, contrary to the investigation's findings.
See a mistake? Contact us.

At about 15:30 EST, a Piper PA22-108 lost power during the initial climb from Wales Airport and was damaged in the ensuing forced landing. Neither occupant was injured. The pilot told investigators the airplanes engine sputtered and lost total power at about 200 feet agl. The pilot initiated a right turn and performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing the airplane contacted the top of a knoll and nosed over. No fuel was found in the airplanes fuel tank or gascolator and there was no evidence of a fuel spill. The pilot reported both of the airplanes fuel gauges were indicating one-half full at the time of the accident.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE