Accident Overview
A pilot operating a Piper Cherokee Six departed Laramie, Wyoming, after topping off the aircraft's fuel tanks. While at cruise altitude, the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing and reported that he "was a little high causing initial impact at near stall speed, removing the gear."
Fuel System Examination
Subsequent examination of the fuel system revealed the presence of contaminated water in the fuel selector bowl. The drain lever on the fuel selector was found rusted in the closed position. Additionally, the fuel pump filter was covered with a rust-colored substance.
Maintenance Records
Airworthiness Directive 77-12-01 mandates that the fuel selector valve be checked every 50 hours to "prevent a fuel system malfunction and a possible power interruption." The last recorded inspection of this type on the aircraft was conducted 64 flight hours previously, which equated to 15 months before the accident. Furthermore, the Piper Cherokee Six service manual outlines procedures for removing, draining, and cleaning the fuel selector strainer bowl at least every 90 days.