On May 21, 1986, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N2850S) was involved in an aviation accident near Valdosta, GA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, the left engine lost power and the pilot failed to feather the propeller. A continuous descent traffic pattern resulted in insufficient altitude to reach the runway, necessitating a landing on level ground. The hard touchdown sheared off the landing gear. No fuel was found in the left engine fuel line forward of the firewall, and no mechanical defect was identified.
Incident Details
Shortly after takeoff, the left engine lost power. The pilot did not feather the propeller. The aircraft then flew a traffic pattern in a continuous descent. Because insufficient altitude remained to maneuver to the runway, the pilot elected to land on level ground near the approach end of the runway. Just before landing, the pilot extended the landing gear. The aircraft touched down hard, which sheared off the landing gear.
Investigation Findings
During the post-accident examination, no fuel was found forward of the firewall in the fuel line to the left engine. Investigators found no mechanical problem that would have resulted in starvation of fuel to the left engine.