On January 16, 1999, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3689W) was involved in an aviation accident near Creal Springs, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: was the pilot having the fuel tank selector in the improper position and not following the airplane manufacturer's emergency procedures to restore a loss of power. A factor in this accident was fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported an engine stoppage after switching to a left wingtip tank, then failing to switch to another tank despite suspecting fuel issues. The aircraft collided with trees during a forced landing. Investigation found no engine anomalies.
Incident Details
The pilot of a Piper PA-32-260 reported that the airplane climbed to 5,000 feet above mean sea level. According to the pilot, he attempted to adjust the mixture control but was unable to do so due to a mechanical problem. Approximately 30 minutes after switching to the left wingtip fuel tank, the engine stopped running. The pilot stated, "I thought of changing the gas tank switch, but thought that I had at least 1 hour [of] gas in all of my tanks so I didn't." While approaching a field for landing, the airplane collided with trees and the ground.
Investigation Findings
An on-scene investigation revealed that the fuel tanks had ruptured during the collision sequence. The fuel selector was found in the 'Left Tip Tank' position. No anomalies were found with the engine or its accessories that would have resulted in a loss of power. The Piper PA-32-260 Owner's Handbook provides procedures for handling an 'Engine Power Loss in Flight,' which include switching the fuel selector to another tank containing fuel and turning on the electric fuel pump.
What happened in the 16 Jan 1999 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Creal Springs, IL?
A pilot reported an engine stoppage after switching to a left wingtip tank, then failing to switch to another tank despite suspecting fuel issues. The aircraft collided with trees during a forced landing. Investigation found no engine anomalies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jan 1999 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3689W, at Creal Springs, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
was the pilot having the fuel tank selector in the improper position and not following the airplane manufacturer's emergency procedures to restore a loss of power. A factor in this accident was fuel starvation.
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