Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and an off-airport landing, during which the airplane struck a vehicle.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that she was working toward a commercial certificate with a safety pilot onboard. During the final approach, the airplane's altitude was low, and she added power by moving the throttle but "nothing happened." The safety pilot took the controls and made a forced landing on a highway. During the landing, the airplane struck a vehicle. Both pilots reported that they were not sure why the engine lost power. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who conducted a postaccident examination of the airplane reported that the fuel tank selector was positioned to the left tank. The fuel pump and carburetor float bowl each had less than an ounce of fuel. The left wing tank did not contain any usable fuel, and no sign of fuel was found on the ground postimpact. The right tank contained about 12 gallons of fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA20CA017 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 10, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dayton, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Dayton-Wright Brothers (MGY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N8078X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.