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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

June 3, 2000 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3869W

Clinton, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Clinton, OK
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3869W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW00LA263

The airplane was executing a VFR approach, turning from the base leg to short final, when the engine lost total power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane touched down in a field short of the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop upright. The pilot reported to the FAA that 'he was not sure if the fuel selector was in the detent for the selected tank and he did not have time to check prior to landing.'

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper setting of the cockpit fuel selector, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and forced landing.

Full Narrative

On June 3, 2000, at 1500 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260 airplane, N3869W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power at the Clinton Municipal Airport, near Clinton, Oklahoma. The private pilot, who was the registered owner and operator of the airplane, and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the Clinton Municipal Airport. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane was turning from the "base leg to short final" for runway 17 when the engine lost total power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane touched down in a field short of the runway and impacted a dirt terrace. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop upright. Following the accident, the pilot reported that, "he was not sure if the fuel selector was in the detent for the selected tank and he did not have time to check prior to landing." The FAA inspector reported that the engine firewall was structurally damaged, and both wings were compromised at their respective attaching points to the fuselage. There was also damage to the "structure at the main landing gear attach points." This damage was initially reported to the NTSB as minor. Subsequently, on October 3, 2000, the damage was reported as substantial. Additionally, multiple attempts to obtain a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, from the pilot/owner were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportClinton Municipal (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3869W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data