On April 2, 1994, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N4298Y) operated by Collier, Stephen C. was involved in an aviation accident near Winston-salem, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to place the aircraft fuel selector to the tank with fuel remaining. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During cruise, the aircraft's engine lost power, prompting a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a building. Investigation revealed the fuel selector was on the right tank, which held only one pint of fuel, while the left tank had ten gallons. The engine and fuel gauges were found to operate normally.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that while in cruise flight, the aircraft's engine stopped producing power. The pilot attempted a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a building.
Investigation Findings
Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the right fuel tank. The right fuel tank contained only one pint of fuel, whereas the left tank held ten gallons of fuel. A subsequent test run of the aircraft engine demonstrated that it operated normally at various speeds. Additionally, the aircraft's fuel gauges were found to be functioning normally.
No other anomalies were identified during the examination. The aircraft sustained damage from the building strike.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Apr 1994 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Winston-salem, NC?
During cruise, the aircraft's engine lost power, prompting a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a building. Investigation revealed the fuel selector was on the right tank, which held only one pint of fuel, while the left tank had ten gallons. The engine and fuel gauges were found to operate…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Apr 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N4298Y, operated by Collier, Stephen C., at Winston-salem, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to place the aircraft fuel selector to the tank with fuel remaining.