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NTSB Report
May 8, 1990 · Piper PA-28-180 · N9538J
Hilton Head, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 8, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Hilton Head, SC
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N9538J
Operator
Jimison Sandra H
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90FA110
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN ABOUT 1/4 MILE FROM THE RUNWAY. THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE HANDLE WAS FOUND IN THE 'OFF' POSITION. PIPER SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 840, WHICH INCORPORATED A NEW FUEL SELECTOR VALVE COVER AND MATING HANDLE (TO PRECLUDE INADVERTENT SELECTION OF THE 'OFF' POSITION) WAS NOT COMPLIED WITH. THE PILOT HAD LOGGED ONLY 1.2 HOURS IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE OF INFLIGHT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S MISMANAGEMENT OF THE FUEL SYSTEM THROUGH INADVERTANT SELECTION OF THE 'OFF' POSITION OF THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE HANDLE.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN ABOUT 1/4 MILE FROM THE RUNWAY. THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE HANDLE WAS FOUND IN THE 'OFF' POSITION. PIPER SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 840, WHICH INCORPORATED A NEW FUEL SELECTOR VALVE COVER AND MATING HANDLE (TO PRECLUDE INADVERTENT SELECTION OF THE 'OFF' POSITION) WAS NOT COMPLIED WITH. THE PILOT HAD LOGGED ONLY 1.2 HOURS IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE OF INFLIGHT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:05 EDT
Nearest AirportHilton Head Island (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN9538J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJimison Sandra H
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:00
Weather SourceWFAC