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Engine Failure During Touch-and-Go Leads to Off-Airport Landing After Fuel Selector Switch (N2466D)

Selma, CA, US

On July 12, 2000, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2466D) operated by Golden Eagle Enterprises, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Selma, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A cracked plastic fuel selector handle that precluded proper engagement of the internal mechanism to fully select a port, and left it in an intermediate position, restricting the fuel supply to the engine, which subsequently lead to a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go takeoff, a student pilot switched the fuel selector to the opposite tank, causing the engine to quit. The CFI took control and landed in a vineyard. Inspection revealed a cracked fuel selector handle and valve misalignment.

Incident

During a touch-and-go takeoff, a student pilot switched the fuel selector to the opposite tank, and the engine subsequently quit. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control of the aircraft and performed an off-airport landing in a vineyard located at the departure end of the runway.

Inspection

During the on-scene inspection of the airframe, a functional check of the fuel system was conducted. With the master switch engaged and the electric boost pump in the ON position, the pump was observed to be operating; however, no fuel pressure was noted, and no fuel was found in the gascolator.

An inspection of the fuel selector valve was then performed. After removal, the valve was found positioned between the left and right port openings, and the fuel valve control rod could not be turned manually. The plastic fuel selector handle was removed and found to be cracked. The brass insert, which is housed in the fuel selector handle and attaches to the fuel valve control rod, would not engage completely inside the plastic handle. There were no previous signs of cracks in the plastic fuel selector handle.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jul 2000 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Selma, CA?

During a touch-and-go takeoff, a student pilot switched the fuel selector to the opposite tank, causing the engine to quit. The CFI took control and landed in a vineyard. Inspection revealed a cracked fuel selector handle and valve misalignment.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jul 2000 Piper PA-38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jul 2000 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2466D, operated by Golden Eagle Enterprises, Inc., at Selma, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A cracked plastic fuel selector handle that precluded proper engagement of the internal mechanism to fully select a port, and left it in an intermediate position, restricting the fuel supply to the engine, which subsequently lead to a loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21508. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.