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NTSB Report
August 2, 2012 · Piper PA-22-160 · N3442Z
Mckinleyville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Mckinleyville, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N3442Z
Operator
Aaron M Andrus
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA340
The pilot said that he had just acquired the airplane and was flying his first cross-country flight in it. He was not monitoring the fuel quantity in the left and right fuel tanks, because he thought the fuel selector was positioned to both tanks. However, the fuel selector was positioned to the left tank for the entire trip. On short final at his destination, the airplane’s engine lost power due to fuel starvation. The pilot performed a forced landing, which bent and wrinkled the fuselage and wings. The pilot had a total flight time of about 150 hours of which only 5 hours were in the accident airplane make and model.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model and his lack of knowledge regarding the fuel system.
Full Narrative
The pilot said that he had just acquired the airplane and was flying his first cross-country flight in it. He was not monitoring the fuel quantity in the left and right fuel tanks, because he thought the fuel selector had a both selection only. However, the fuel selector was positioned to the left tank for the entire trip. On short final at his destination, the airplane’s engine lost power due to fuel starvation. The pilot performed a forced landing, which bent and wrinkled the fuselage and wings. The pilot had a total flight time of about 150 hours, of which only 5 hours were in the accident make and model.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:55 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN3442Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAaron M Andrus
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 52
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time01:50
Weather SourceWFAC