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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 20, 2010 · Piper PA32R 301HP · N9263R

Chamblee, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Chamblee, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA32R 301HP
Tail Number
N9263R
Operator
Saratoga Rental Options
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA490

According to the pilot, he completed his descent checklist and moved the fuel selector from the "Right" to the "Left" position. The airplane was 2 to 3 miles from the destination airport when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot configured the airplane to attain the best glide airspeed and completed a forced landing to an interstate highway. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of pre-impact anomalies or fuel leakage; about 35 gallons of fuel remained in each wing. The fuel selector was found in the "Off" position; however, it was not determined if it had been moved to that position in flight or after impact. Recorded engine data revealed that about 1 minute prior to touchdown, the fuel flow rapidly dropped to almost zero; all exhaust gas temperatures went to zero and all cylinder head temperatures began a gradual decline. Under the supervision of an FAA inspector, the engine was test run and no anomalies were found. It was noted that during the engine run, the engine stopped producing power approximately 1 minute after the fuel selector was placed in the "Off" position, which was located to the left of the "Left" position.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper placement of the fuel selector.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he completed his "descent checklist" and moved the fuel selector from the "Right" to the "Left" position. The airplane was 2 to 3 miles from the destination airport when the engine "began to quit" and then completely stopped producing power. The pilot adjusted to best glide airspeed and attempted "as many immediate action items [from] memory as I could." The pilot completed a forced landing to an interstate highway which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of pre-impact anomalies or fuel leakage, and about 35 gallons of fuel in each wing. The fuel selector was found in the "Off" position; however, it was not determined if it had been moved to that position in flight or subsequent to the flight. Recorded engine data revealed that about 1 minute prior to touchdown, the fuel flow rapidly dropped to almost zero, all exhaust gas temperatures went to zero, and all cylinder head temperatures began a gradual decline. Under the supervision of an FAA inspector, a club propeller was installed to replace the damaged propeller for a test run of the engine on the airframe, using the airplane's own fuel system. The engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption when either the "Left" or "Right" positions were selected on the fuel selector. The engine stopped producing power approximately 1 minute after the fuel selector was placed in the "Off" position, which was located to the left of the "Left" position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EDT
Nearest AirportDekalb-Peachtree Airport (3nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA32R 301HP
Tail NumberN9263R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSaratoga Rental Options
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO540 · Reciprocating · 301
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data