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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 28, 1994 · Piper PA-24- 260 · N9322P

Stow, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 28, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Stow, MA
Aircraft
Piper PA-24- 260
Tail Number
N9322P
Operator
Stumpf Bernard
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA053

The private pilot and a passenger were taking off on runway 3 during a dark night when the engine lost power at 100 feet above the ground. The pilot stated that due to insufficient altitude he was unable to restart the engine. The airplane impacted trees in a wooded area. According to the pilot, he had flown the airplane earlier for about an hour on the right auxiliary tank. He stated that he landed and picked up a passenger. The pilot stated that he completed an abbreviated checklist which included checking the position of the fuel pump and fuel selector. He stated that he thought the fuel selector was on 'a main tank.' An FAA Aviation Safety Inspector who examined the airplane after the accident found the fuel selector on the right auxiliary fuel tank which was empty. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction and the accident could have been prevented if a more deliberate check of the status of the fuel selector was accomplished.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN TO COMPLETE A FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.

Full Narrative

On Monday, February 28, 1994, at 1845 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24-260, N9322P, impacted trees in a wooded area during a forced landing at Minute Man Airfield, Stow, Massachusetts. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot, it was a dark night when he was taking off on runway 3. He stated that at 100 feet above the ground the engine lost power. He stated that due to insufficient altitude he was unable to restart the engine. The airplane impacted trees in a wooded area. The pilot stated that he had flown the airplane earlier for about an hour with the fuel selector on the right auxiliary tank. He stated that he landed and picked up his passenger and that he had completed an abbreviated checklist. The abbreviated checklist included checking the fuel pump and fuel selector. He stated that he thought the fuel selector was on "a main tank." An FAA aviation safety inspector examined the airplane. The examination revealed that the right auxiliary tank was empty and that the fuel selector was selected to the right auxiliary tank. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction, and the accident could have been prevented if "a more deliberate check of status of fuel selector" was accomplished.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-24- 260
Tail NumberN9322P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStumpf Bernard
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-N1A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind340° @ 8 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 1 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data