On April 21, 1991, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N651OP) operated by Kazimierz Pajerski was involved in an aviation accident near Wadsworth, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO SELECT THE PROPER FUEL TANK AND NOT PERFORMING EMERGENCY PROCEDURES WHEN THE ENGINE CEASED TO RUN. A FACTOR RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS POWER TRANSMISSIONS WIRES LOCATED ON THE PILOT'S APPROACH PATH TO LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A high performance single engine airplane lost power during a sightseeing flight, struck power lines, and cartwheeled in a farm field. Investigation revealed an empty right wing fuel tank and the selector on the right tank.
Incident Overview
A high performance single engine airplane was on a local sightseeing flight when the engine lost power. The pilot selected an unplowed, dirt farm field for an emergency landing. During the landing approach, the airplane struck electrical power transmission lines. Witnesses reported that the airplane then cartwheeled end over end and fell into the field.
Investigation Findings
On-scene investigation revealed that the right wing fuel tank was empty, while the left wing fuel tank was approximately three-quarters full. The fuel tank selector valve was found positioned on the right wing tank.
Conclusion
The investigation did not state a probable cause for the engine power loss. The findings regarding fuel distribution and selector position were documented.
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