NTSB Factual Report

On November 8, 2004, at 1530 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N411CP, registered to and operated by the private pilot collided with a house shortly after takeoff from the DeKalb/Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Georgia. The airplane was being operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The pilot received minor injuries, a resident of the house received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident on November 8, 2004, enroute to Winder, Georgia.

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the airplane's engine started to "sputter" and lose power. Efforts made by the pilot to restore power were unsuccessful. The pilot declared an emergency and during the forced landing the airplane collided with a house.

Examination of the airplane found no fuel in the right and left main fuel tanks and about five gallons of fuel in the left tip tank. The right tip tank separated during the collision sequence however there was no browning of grass or remnants of fuel at the location of the right tip tank. There was no fuel present in the fuel lines from the right tip tank to the engine. The airplane was recovered by Atlanta Air Recovery for further examination. The engine was successfully run at Atlanta Air Recovery. According to the pilot, the airplane departed with 14 gallons of fuel in the right tip tank.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power. .