On June 24, 1986, a Grumman AA1B (registration N9628L) was involved in an aviation accident near Brandywine, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported he had failed to change fuel tanks after the engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced power loss during an ILS approach to runway 01L, made a forced landing in a field, and nosed over. Investigation revealed the fuel selector was on the left tank, which had no fuel; the pilot reported failing to change tanks after the engine failure.
Incident Overview
During an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 01L, the aircraft suffered a loss of engine power before reaching the locator outer marker. The pilot applied carburetor heat, which momentarily restored power. Subsequently, a total power loss occurred, forcing the pilot to execute a forced landing in a field. The aircraft nosed over during the landing.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the left fuel tank, which contained no fuel. The pilot reported that he had failed to change fuel tanks after the engine failure.
Pilot Statement
The pilot acknowledged that he did not switch fuel tanks following the initial power loss, leading to fuel starvation and the subsequent forced landing.
Probable cause
The pilot reported he had failed to change fuel tanks after the engine failure.