On January 14, 1989, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N5983P) operated by Roy E. Abbott was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply by selecting the correct fuel tank prior to takeoff, which led to fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb due to an incorrect fuel selector position, resulting in a ground collision after attempting to return to the airport.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power while climbing during the initial phase of takeoff. The pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft back toward the airport runway. According to statements from a passenger on board, the stall warning horn activated as the aircraft turned. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft collided with the ground.
The investigation
Examination of the event revealed that the pilot had taken off with the fuel selector positioned incorrectly. Specifically, the selector was set to the right wing fuel tank, which contained only residual fuel at the time of departure. This configuration resulted in immediate fuel starvation for the engine.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply by selecting the correct fuel tank prior to takeoff, which led to fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.
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