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NTSB Report

June 24, 2012 · Piper PA-28-235 · N8788W

Richmond, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Richmond, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N8788W
Operator
John Lewis
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA415

During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that he performed the emergency procedures but did not think to check the position of the fuel selector. The pilot conducted a forced landing in a nearby field, and the airplane’s firewall and left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that the fuel selector was on an auxiliary tank that did not contain any fuel. He added that the fuel selector was easy to move inadvertently and that a passenger’s foot may have moved the selector before takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector was properly positioned, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

The pilot and three passengers departed the airport in a single-engine airplane. During the climb, when the airplane was about 2,100 feet mean sea level, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that he performed the emergency procedures, but did not think to check the fuel selector. The pilot elected to conduct a force landing in a nearby field. During the landing the airplane’s firewall and left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot also reported that the fuel selector was on an auxiliary tank that did not contain any fuel. He added that the fuel selector was easy to move inadvertently, and that a passenger’s foot may have moved the selector before takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportRichmond Municipal (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN8788W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn Lewis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time19:35
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data