On November 22, 1988, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N8927C) operated by Antwiler, Gilbert Kent was involved in an aviation accident near Salisbury, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply by properly positioning the fuel selector lever, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced engine power loss shortly after takeoff and attempted an emergency landing in a plowed field, resulting in the aircraft nosing over due to fuel starvation.
What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft engine lost power shortly after takeoff. In response to the mechanical failure, he attempted to execute a forced landing on a nearby plowed field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft rolled approximately fifty yards across the rough and soft terrain before coming to rest in a nose-over attitude.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the engine had lost power due to fuel starvation. Investigators determined that the fuel selector lever was found in a partially off position. Analysis confirmed that in this specific setting, the engine would not develop full power except for a very short period of time.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was fuel starvation caused by the mispositioned fuel selector lever. The pilot's inability to maintain adequate engine power led directly to the forced landing and subsequent damage.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply by properly positioning the fuel selector lever, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
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