Pilot Debrief

NEW PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA32-301FT near Stafford, VA — 2013-03-17

Final reportERA13LA173
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Date
2013-03-17
Location
Stafford, VA, USA
Airport
RMN
Aircraft
NEW PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA32-301FT
Registration
N32EV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's improper placement of the fuel tank selector handle during approach, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting a GPS instrument approach with the autopilot engaged when the engine lost power. The pilot chose to land in a nearby field because he determined that the airplane could not reach the airport. He adjusted the airplane to obtain the best-glide airspeed and performed remedial actions, but the engine power was not restored. The airplane struck trees, terrain, and a bulldozer in a construction area where it came to rest. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had adequate fuel and that the fuel selector handle was in an intermediate position between the left- and right-tank positions. After the floor was removed from above the fuel selector valve, a visual inspection revealed that the fuel selector valve's lever arm was in an approximate right-tank position but that it was not seated fully in the right-tank detent position. When manipulated, the lever arm was able to be seated fully in the detent of the right-tank position. Further movement of the lever arm revealed that it moved smoothly through its entire range and that it seated fully in both detent positions. Postaccident examination revealed no anomalies of the fuel system that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of data downloaded from the primary flight display and multifunction display revealed engine rpm and fuel flow values consistent with a final approach profile until a significant fuel flow drop occurred, which was followed 6 seconds later by a loss of engine rpm. The data were consistent with a loss of engine power due to the fuel selector being placed in an intermediate position during an attempted fuel tank switch.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Fuel selector not properly set to the tank with fuel before approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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