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NTSB Report
September 20, 1987 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3636W
Roanoke, VA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Roanoke, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3636W
Operator
George Pitts
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO87LA066
ROANOKE TOWER CLEARED THE AIRCRAFT FOR LANDING AND THE PILOT PULLED THE POWER TO IDLE. THE PILOT DID NOT REALIZE THE ENGINE HAD QUIT UNTIL HE APPLIED POWER ON SHORT FINAL AND THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK SHORT OF RUNWAY 33. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE FORGOT TO SWITCH TANKS DURING FLIGHT. THE LEFT TANK WAS FOUND EMPTY WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR ON THE LEFT TANK.
Full Narrative
ROANOKE TOWER CLEARED THE AIRCRAFT FOR LANDING AND THE PILOT PULLED THE POWER TO IDLE. THE PILOT DID NOT REALIZE THE ENGINE HAD QUIT UNTIL HE APPLIED POWER ON SHORT FINAL AND THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK SHORT OF RUNWAY 33. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE FORGOT TO SWITCH TANKS DURING FLIGHT. THE LEFT TANK WAS FOUND EMPTY WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR ON THE LEFT TANK.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:59 EDT
Nearest AirportRoanoke Regional Woodrum (0nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length5800 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3636W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGeorge Pitts
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 6 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC