Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32R near Chamblee, GA — 2010-09-20

Final reportERA10CA490
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Date
2010-09-20
Location
Chamblee, GA, USA
Airport
PDK
Aircraft
PIPER PA32R
Registration
N9263R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

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

NTSB 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 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.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel selector position before descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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