I've done quite a few approaches into DVT. There's a lot of training flying there.
He's down about a mile before the threshold of 07R, roughly on centreline.
Maybe a Piper Twin Commanche?
Looks controlled. He aimed to put it down on West Louise Drive, which is in an industrial area and so with very little road traffic. I think he's hopped the power line at the west end and stuck it down before the next
cross set, though it looks like he's clipped the power line along the north edge.
Gear appears down, props windmilling.
First guess is fuel starvation, and an instructor or very experienced private pilot was flying the forced landing. I don't think there's any other options if they lost power on final approach.
Why do you reckon, PHXP?
Re: Short (Off)Field-Landing
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:00 pm
by PHXPhlyer
Fox:
The aircraft was a PA-34 200T. A turbocharged Seneca 200hp a side. Registered out of Los Alamos, NM.
No clue as to why they came up short. At least they are mostly OK. At least, better than the plane.
Here it the aftermath.
Los Alamos to Phoenix is only about half max fuel with 2 POB. Probably took off not long after dawn, coming in on business.
Re: Short (Off)Field-Landing
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:10 pm
by G-CPTN
It appears that someone has decided that we in the UK 'don't need to know' . . .
If a twin runs short of fuel, one engine will fail before both?
Of course, the piiot could have already dealt with that?
Re: Short (Off)Field-Landing
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:13 pm
by G-CPTN
Re: Short (Off)Field-Landing
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:24 pm
by Fox3WheresMyBanana
On the Seneca, the engines are fed from wing tanks on their respective sides. Crossfeeds are possible but should not be selected for landing (unless running on only one engine). Thus, with two engines running, they are unlikely to fail simultaneously from fuel starvation if the checklist has been followed.
If fuel starvation was expected, there are no good options in the area for an easterly runway on straight in approach. A precautionary glide circuit should be flown. That said, I don't know anyone who taught glide circuits on twins. We only did it on single engine aircraft.
I actually ran both tanks dry simultaneously on a PA-31 350 (Piper Chieftan). Fortunately it was just the aux tanks so a quick switch back to the mains; No problem. Also, no pax to scare.
PP
Re: Short (Off)Field-Landing
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:47 pm
by Fox3WheresMyBanana
Oops!
Re: Short (Off)Field-Landing
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:58 pm
by PHXPhlyer
No big deal. Just had to be quick when the Low Fuel Pressure annunciator light came on.
PP
Re: Short (Off)Field-Landing
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2019 3:36 pm
by OFSO
Switched VPN to USA, watched it. Lucky and/or skilled pilot.