On May 8, 1984, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N8624W) was involved in an aviation accident near Touchet, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to select the correct fuel tank during takeoff, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private aircraft experienced engine failure during initial climb from a private airstrip after the pilot mistakenly selected an empty tip tank instead of the main fuel tank.
What happened
The aircraft was departing a private airstrip when the engine failed during the initial climb phase of takeoff. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but it would not start. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft struck a fence.
The investigation
The pilot stated that he selected the left tip tank, which was empty, thinking it was the left main tank.
Findings
Fuel exhaustion occurred because the pilot mistakenly selected an empty tip tank instead of the left main tank.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to select the correct fuel tank during takeoff, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 8 May 1984 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Touchet, WA?
A private aircraft experienced engine failure during initial climb from a private airstrip after the pilot mistakenly selected an empty tip tank instead of the main fuel tank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 May 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N8624W, at Touchet, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to select the correct fuel tank during takeoff, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…