Casualties unknown

Engine Failure After Fuel Selector Change During Departure Climb (N5207Z)

Roanoke, VA, US

On November 3, 2001, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5207Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Roanoke, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot ensure the proper position of the fuel selector which resulted in fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot switched fuel tanks during climb below 1000 feet, causing engine failure and a forced landing. The aircraft struck a garage and came to rest inverted. The fuel selector index plate was found improperly secured, and the right tank was placarded for level flight only.

Accident Overview

During the departure climb, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left (main) fuel tank to the right (aux) fuel tank when the aircraft was less than 1,000 feet above the ground. The engine subsequently quit, and the pilot reported that he did not have time to focus on the engine-out situation, only enough time to execute a forced landing. The airplane struck a detached garage and came to rest inverted near a residence.

Fuel Selector Issues

The index plate for the fuel selector was found improperly secured and obscured the tank index position marks. The pilot reported that conditions were turbulent when he changed tanks, and he could not verify the position of the fuel tank selector nor feel its detent. Additionally, the right fuel tank was placarded with a restriction: "Use in level flight only."

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage from the impact with the garage and the ground, coming to rest inverted. No further details about injuries or the specific aircraft model were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011228X02462. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.