Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near St. Petersburg, FL — 2021-11-12

Final reportERA22LA066
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Date
2021-11-12
Location
St. Petersburg, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N5862W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent selection of an off fuel selector position, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he departed a coastal airport at night. After he transitioned from initial climb to cruise flight at 1,100 ft mean sea level, he attempted to switch fuel tanks and the engine lost all power. He then tried to switch back to the original fuel tank, but accidentally positioned the fuel selector to the off position. The airplane did not have enough altitude to glide to shore and he subsequently ditched the airplane in a bay. The pilot egressed and the airplane sank. The airplane was recovered from the bay several days later and substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilator was noted by recovery personnel. The pilot added that he should have familiarized himself more with the fuel selector and that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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