Pilot Debrief

Piper PA32R near Paducah, KY — 2019-11-01

Final reportERA20FA026
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Date
2019-11-01
Location
Paducah, KY, USA
Airport
PAH
Aircraft
Piper PA32R
Registration
N181AG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to fully seat the fuel selector in the proper tank position during the descent for landing, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a visual, straight-in approach for landing when he reported to the tower controller that the airplane had lost engine power. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain short of the runway and was destroyed by impact and a post-impact fire. Examination of the wreckage confirmed flight control continuity and revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies. Examination of the fuel selector revealed that the fuel selector control lever was near the right fuel tank position; however, examination of the fuel selector valve revealed that the selector plate was out of the detent and not fully seated in any tank position. Impact marks on the selector plate showed the detent ball was closest to the left fuel tank and the out-of-position plate occluded the fuel port. The first step of the manufacturer’s approach and landing checklist was, “Fuel Selector – Proper Tank.” Given the lack of other mechanical anomalies found during the examination, it is likely that the pilot moved the fuel selector at some point during the descent and approach, but failed to fully seat the selector in position, and the restricted fuel flow was likely less than what was needed to sustain engine power. Following the loss of engine power, the remaining altitude was insufficient to provide gliding distance to the runway.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel selector before descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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