FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss After Takeoff Leads to Forced Landing (N823PJ)

Madison, WI, US

On September 17, 1993, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N823PJ) operated by Northwest Flyers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loose fuel selector handle/valve which resulted in an inability to properly switch fuel tanks. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane experienced total engine power loss shortly after takeoff, leading to a forced landing in a field. Investigation found the fuel selector on the right outboard tank, which was empty and had a small hole from the landing.

Incident Overview

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane suffered a total loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field.

Fuel System Examination

Post-landing examination revealed the fuel selector was positioned to the right outboard tank. The selector handle was described as very loose. The right outboard tank contained no fuel, but had a small hole caused by the forced landing. The remaining three tanks contained fuel.

Engine Operation Test

When the fuel selector was moved to another tank, the engine started and ran normally.

Operator Guidance

The aircraft's Operator's Handbook specifies that the fuel selector should be on the fullest main tank for takeoff.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1993 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Madison, WI?

An airplane experienced total engine power loss shortly after takeoff, leading to a forced landing in a field. Investigation found the fuel selector on the right outboard tank, which was empty and had a small hole from the landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1993 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N823PJ, operated by Northwest Flyers, Inc., at Madison, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the loose fuel selector handle/valve which resulted in an inability to properly switch fuel tanks.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13379. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.