6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Piper PA32RT-300 | C-FBWH

March 4th, 2024 | Nashville, Tennessee

Accident Location

  • City: Nashville
  • State: Tennessee
  • Latitude: 36.139976
  • Longitude: -86.886983
  • Airport ID: KJWN

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: C-FBWH
  • Make: Piper
  • Model: PA32RT-300
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Dotsenko, Victor
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 43
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Unknown
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: Unknown
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: March 4th, 2024
  • Time: 7:45 PM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Night
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Approach
  • Total People Onboard: 5
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 4
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 5
  • NTSB No: ERA24FA127
  • NTSB Travel: Yes
  • AQP Classification: 6) MISHANDLED ABN., C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot did not visually acquire runway 20 as he approached from the north, and flew directly the airport. In his subsequent left turn in order to return to the airport, his engine began to lose power and he switched fuel tanks from right tank to left tank. The fuel selector was found to be not fully in the left detent, which caused an intermittent power condition. The pilot, not realizing the fuel selector problem, attempted to land on a nearby interstate but impacted with such force that the aircraft broke apart and exploded.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all single engine aircraft avoid night flight where possible. While this aircraft did not run out of fuel, it did arrive at destination in night conditions, in a low fuel state such that finding the runway was difficult, and switching tanks then became necessary. The DTSB recommends that pilots ensure that they are already on the fullest tank when approaching airports, and that tank selectors are confirmed to be in the full locked position after changing.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.