On September 2, 1982, a Piper PA-20 (registration N1510A) operated by David Baker was involved in an aviation accident near Near Mcgrath, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After fueling and verifying the right wing tank full, the pilot departed without switching the fuel selector from the left tank. During a low pass over wooded terrain, the engine quit; the aircraft was subsequently landed in trees.
Event Details
Prior to departure, the pilot serviced the aircraft with fuel and verified that the right wing tank was full. The pilot did not switch the fuel selector from the left fuel tank before departing. During a low pass over a wooded area, the engine quit. Due to the low altitude, the pilot was unable to complete the emergency checklist procedures and restart the engine. The aircraft was landed in the trees.
Circumstances
The pilot's pre-departure actions included fueling and confirming the right tank was full. However, the fuel selector remained positioned to the left tank. The engine failure occurred while the aircraft was performing a low pass. The pilot's attempts to follow emergency procedures were hindered by the limited altitude. The subsequent landing was made in the trees.
What happened in the 2 Sept 1982 Piper PA-20 accident near Near Mcgrath, AK?
After fueling and verifying the right wing tank full, the pilot departed without switching the fuel selector from the left tank. During a low pass over wooded terrain, the engine quit; the aircraft was subsequently landed in trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Sept 1982 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N1510A, operated by David Baker, at Near Mcgrath, AK.
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