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NTSB Report

January 1, 2024 · Piper PA32 300 · N722RM

Gordonville, PA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 1, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Gordonville, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA32 300 (1974)
Tail Number
N722RM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA081

After departing on the accident flight, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left main fuel tank to the right wingtip fuel tank, and later the left wingtip fuel tank. With an estimated 20 minutes of flight time remaining, he attempted to select the right main fuel tank, but inadvertently selected the left main fuel tank. About 10 minutes later, the engine began losing power. Despite the pilot’s efforts to troubleshoot the issue by activating the fuel pump and articulating the throttle, the engine lost power completely. The pilot then selected the right main fuel tank but was unable to restart the engine. He subsequently performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane struck wires and fence posts, substantially damaging the left wing, as well as the horizontal and vertical stabilizers. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that only 8 ounces of fuel remained in the left main fuel tank. While damage the left wing incurred during the accident compromised the integrity of the tank, there was no evidence of any fuel leakage. About 25 gallons of fuel remained in the right main fuel tank. The airframe fuel strainer contained about 2 ounces of uncontaminated fuel. Examination and operational testing of the fuel selector valve confirmed that the selector valve was functional in all positions and the indicator aligned properly in the detents. Based on this information, the pilot’s inadvertent selection of the left main fuel tank resulted in exhausting its fuel supply, and the subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management resulting in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and subsequent off-airport forced landing.

Full Narrative

After departing on the accident flight, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left main fuel tank to the right wingtip fuel tank, and later the left wingtip fuel tank. With an estimated 20 minutes of flight time remaining, he attempted to select the right main fuel tank, but inadvertently selected the left main fuel tank. About 10 minutes later, began losing power. Despite the pilot’s efforts to troubleshoot the issue by activating the fuel pump and articulating the throttle, the engine lost power completely. The pilot then selected the right main fuel tank but was unable to restart the engine. He subsequently performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane struck wires and fence posts, substantially damaging the left wing, as well as the horizontal and vertical stabilizers. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that only 8 ounces of fuel remained in the left main fuel tank. While damage the left wing incurred during the accident compromised the integrity of the tank, there was no evidence of any fuel leakage. About 25 gallons of fuel remained in the right main fuel tank. The airframe fuel strainer contained about 2 ounces of uncontaminated fuel. Examination and operational testing of the fuel selector valve confirmed that the selector valve was functional in all positions and the indicator aligned properly in the detents. Based on this information, the pilot’s inadvertent selection of the left main fuel tank resulted in exhausting its fuel supply, and the subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:20 EST
Nearest AirportSmoketown Airport (3.7nm ESE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA32 300
Tail NumberN722RM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point41 F / 36 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time14:29
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data