1989-07-20: Piper PA-22 — Robert H. Elton — Meridian, ID

Casualties unknown • Meridian, ID, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY POSITION THE FUEL SELECTOR, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION, HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE, AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT (FAILURE TO SEE & AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS). THE POWER LINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PLT RPRTD HE HAD BEEN HAVING SOME TROUBLE WITH A MAGNETO & WAS GOING TO FLY THE ACFT TO EMMETT, IDAHO FOR ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE. WHILE EN ROUTE AT 2000 AGL, THE ENG LOST POWER. THE PLT BEGAN AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD. HOWEVER, JUST BEFORE LANDING, THE ACFT HIT A POWER LINE & CRASHED. AN INSPN OF THE ACFT REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT TANK, WHICH WAS EMPTY. THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS SO AWARE OF A POSSIBLE MAGNETO PROBLEM THAT HE DID NOT THINK TO SWITCH FUEL TANKS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-07-20 Piper PA-22 accident near Meridian, ID?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-07-20 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N3700P, operated by Robert H. Elton, at Meridian, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY POSITION THE FUEL SELECTOR, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION, HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE, AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT (FAILURE TO SEE & AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS). THE POWER LINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

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