What happened
During the flight, the Piper PA-32-260 climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet above mean sea level. Approximately 30 minutes after the pilot switched the fuel source to the left wingtip tank, the engine stopped running. The pilot reported attempting to adjust the mixture control but was unable to do so due to a mechanical issue.
Believing there was at least one hour of fuel remaining in the other tanks, the pilot did not immediately switch the fuel selector. While approaching a field to perform an emergency landing, the aircraft collided with trees and the ground. The impact resulted in no reported fatalities, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
An on-scene investigation of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tanks had ruptured during the collision sequence. Investigators found the fuel selector valve positioned in the 'Left Tip Tank' position.
Upon examination of the powerplant, investigators found no anomalies with the engine or its accessories that would have caused a loss of power. The investigation noted that the Piper PA-32-260 Owner's Handbook prescribes specific procedures for an engine power loss in flight, which include switching the fuel selector to another tank containing fuel and turning the electric fuel pump on.