Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
During the cross-country flight, the pilot completed the first leg using the left fuel tank only. While in the traffic pattern at his destination airport, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field and the airplane was substantially damaged after colliding with a tree. An examination of the wreckage revealed that the left fuel tank was empty and undamaged; the fuel selector handle was on the left tank. The right tank was full. Thus, it is likely that the engine was starved of fuel when the fuel supply in the left wing tank was exhausted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20TA046 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 2, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Vero Beach, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Vero Beach Regional (VRB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N558PU
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.