On February 9, 2001, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8122G) operated by Plus One Flyers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mispositioning of the fuel selector to the off position, resulting in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot lost engine power after mispositioning the fuel selector to the off position during traffic pattern, leading to an emergency landing short of the runway.
Incident Overview
During a flight, the pilot repositioned the engine fuel tank selector to what he believed was the opposite wing tank while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern. On the base leg, all engine power was lost. The pilot subsequently performed an emergency landing, bringing the aircraft to rest approximately 1,800 feet short of the runway's threshold.
Post-Incident Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed the presence of fuel in both wing tanks. The pilot acknowledged that he had mispositioned the fuel selector by inadvertently switching it to the off position.
Key Facts
The fuel selector was moved during the downwind leg of the traffic pattern.
Complete engine power loss occurred on the base leg.
The emergency landing ended 1,800 feet short of the runway threshold.
Both wing tanks contained fuel.
The pilot confirmed the fuel selector was inadvertently placed in the off position.
Probable cause
The pilot's mispositioning of the fuel selector to the off position, resulting in a loss of engine power.
What happened in the 9 Feb 2001 Piper PA-28-181 accident near San Diego, CA?
A pilot lost engine power after mispositioning the fuel selector to the off position during traffic pattern, leading to an emergency landing short of the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Feb 2001 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8122G, operated by Plus One Flyers, Inc., at San Diego, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's mispositioning of the fuel selector to the off position, resulting in a loss of engine power.
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