Casualties unknown

Dual Engine Power Loss Leads to Off-Airport Landing (N99BR)

Parrfield, OH, US

On March 6, 1994, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N99BR) was involved in an aviation accident near Parrfield, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagment of the fuel supply by the improper positioning of the fuel selector valves, which resulted in fuel starvation and the total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise at 8,000 feet, both engines lost power within 30 seconds. The pilot switched fuel tanks but could not reach the airport, resulting in an off-airport landing.

Event

While in cruise flight at 8,000 feet, both engines lost power within 30 seconds of each other. The pilot was unable to restart the engines, though they would occasionally run for three to four seconds before stopping. Air traffic control vectored the airplane toward an airport, but the pilot could not reach it and performed an off-airport landing.

Pilot Actions

After the engines lost power, the pilot switched the fuel selector from the inboard to the outboard fuel tanks. The left fuel selector was later found positioned to the outboard tanks, while the right fuel selector was damaged and its position could not be determined.

Examination Findings

An examination of the airplane revealed approximately three to four tablespoons of fuel in each carburetor. The outboard fuel tanks were empty, while the inboard fuel tanks contained fuel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00978. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.