On December 15, 1983, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N4026R) was involved in an aviation accident near Garnett, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure due to fuel exhaustion or starvation resulting from the switch between fuel tanks, which led to a forced landing and substantial damage to the aircraft. 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.
A pilot experienced an immediate engine shutdown approximately ten seconds after switching from the right main fuel tank to the left to balance the load, resulting in a forced landing.
What happened
The aircraft was in flight when the pilot initiated a routine procedure to balance the fuel load between tanks. While the aircraft was operating on the right main fuel tank, the pilot switched the selection to the left tank. Approximately ten seconds after this change, the engine quit without warning. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Consequently, a forced landing was executed in a nearby field. During the impact, the right wing struck a tree and sheared off.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the engine failure occurred shortly after the fuel selector was moved from the right main tank to the left tank. The inability to restart the engine necessitated an emergency landing.
Probable cause
Engine failure due to fuel exhaustion or starvation resulting from the switch between fuel tanks, which led to a forced landing and substantial damage to the aircraft.
What happened in the 15 Dec 1983 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Garnett, KS?
A pilot experienced an immediate engine shutdown approximately ten seconds after switching from the right main fuel tank to the left to balance the load, resulting in a forced landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Dec 1983 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N4026R, at Garnett, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Engine failure due to fuel exhaustion or starvation resulting from the switch between fuel tanks, which led to a forced landing and substantial damage to the aircraft.
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