On April 6, 1983, a Piper PA 32-300 (registration N15278) was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft departing runway 29 experienced engine sputtering and surging at about 200 feet AGL, then entered a steep left bank toward runway 7. The wings leveled just before impact about 100 feet short of runway 7. Post-accident inspection revealed the fuel selector was on the left tip tank, which was empty, while both main tanks were full.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft departed from runway 29. At approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine was heard to sputter and surge. Subsequently, the aircraft was observed in a steep left bank toward runway 7. The wings leveled just prior to impact, which occurred about 100 feet short of runway 7.
Post-Accident Examination
Airport police personnel inspected the aircraft immediately after the accident. They found the fuel selector positioned to the left tip tank. The left tip tank was empty, while both main tanks were full.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he had switched the fuel tank to left main prior to takeoff.