On September 21, 1986, a Piper PA-28-140C (registration N6004U) was involved in an aviation accident near Indiana, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to select the correct fuel tank, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot had failed to switch fuel tanks when the left tank ran dry, despite usable fuel remaining in the right tank.
What happened
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing that occurred after the engine lost power. An examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank, which contained no usable fuel at the time. Usable fuel remained available in the right tank.
The investigation
Investigation of the mechanical state of the aircraft confirmed the position of the fuel selector valve. No other mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the loss of power.
Findings
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by having the presence of mind to switch fuel tanks when the left tank went dry. The failure to transfer fuel selection to the right tank, which contained usable fuel, was the primary factor in the engine stoppage.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to select the correct fuel tank, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Sept 1986 Piper PA-28-140C accident near Indiana, PA?
An aircraft was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot had failed to switch fuel tanks when the left tank ran dry, despite usable fuel remaining in the right tank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Sept 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-140C, registration N6004U, at Indiana, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to select the correct fuel tank, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
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