Accident Details
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a training flight in a Piper PA-28-140. The aircraft departed from an uncontrolled airport after the flight crew switched fuel tanks while on the runway. During the fuel tank switch, the student pilot inadvertently moved the fuel selector valve to the Off position.
After departure, during the initial climb at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine lost power. The aircraft impacted terrain about half a mile from the departure airport. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, while the student pilot received minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Service Bulletin Noncompliance
The accident investigation revealed that Piper Service Bulletin No. 840 had not been complied with. The service bulletin specifies the installation of a new fuel selector valve cover assembly and matching handle modification. According to the bulletin, this modification is intended to reduce the likelihood of fuel mismanagement by minimizing the chance of inadvertently selecting the Off position.