Accident Details
The pilot was flying a practice approach to an airstrip that he was constructing on his land, and that was incomplete. Approximately five minutes before arriving at the airstrip, the fuel selector was switched from the left to the right tank. After flying about two-thirds down the runway, the pilot added power and began a climb. The engine then lost power. As the pilot pulled sharply back on the controls to avoid obstacles, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right wing fuel tank was empty. One pint of fuel was drained from the auxiliary fuel tank. The left tank contained approximately 15 gallons of fuel. The fuel selector, located in the cockpit, was found in a position in-between the left and right fuel tank settings.
Aircraft Handbook Information
The operating instructions section of the Piper Tri-Pacer owners handbook stated that, 'Before take-off, it is very important that the fuel selector be checked to make sure it is on the proper tank.' Additionally, the handbook cautioned, 'When fuel quantity in right tank is 1/3 or less use only in level flight.'