Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Inadvertent Fuel Shutoff During Engine-Out Flight (N4109E)

Barrow, AK, US

On July 4, 1986, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N4109E) was involved in an aviation accident near Barrow, AK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying an aircraft with known mechanical problems shut down the right engine due to an oil leak, then accidentally shut off fuel to the left engine while crossfeeding, resulting in a forced landing on rough tundra with substantial damage.

Summary

A pilot reported mechanical issues with the aircraft prior to departure but decided to fly to another airport for repairs. During the flight, the right engine was shut down due to an oil leak. While attempting to crossfeed fuel, the pilot inadvertently activated the left engine firewall fuel shutoff valve, causing a loss of power in the left engine. The aircraft subsequently performed a forced landing on rough tundra, resulting in substantial damage.

Details

According to the pilot, the aircraft had preexisting mechanical problems, yet the decision was made to return it to a different airport where repairs could be performed. En route, the pilot observed an oil leak from the right engine and decided to shut it down. Later, while trying to crossfeed fuel between the engines, the pilot accidentally moved the left engine firewall fuel shutoff valve. This action cut off fuel supply to the left engine, leading to a complete loss of power. With both engines inoperative, the pilot was forced to land on uneven tundra terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the landing. No other information about the aircraft, location, or occupants was provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1986 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Barrow, AK?

A pilot flying an aircraft with known mechanical problems shut down the right engine due to an oil leak, then accidentally shut off fuel to the left engine while crossfeeding, resulting in a forced landing on rough tundra with substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1986 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N4109E, at Barrow, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34044. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.