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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Climb Leads to Forced Landing (N166PA)

Louisville, KY, US

On April 23, 2002, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N166PA) was involved in an aviation accident near Louisville, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent selection of an empty fuel tank, which resulted in fuel starvation of the engine. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After a routine preflight and takeoff, an airplane experienced an engine power loss at about 1,000 feet, resulting in a forced landing during which it struck a building and a post. The fuel selector was found in the left wing tip tank position, contrary to the pilot's statement.

Preflight and Departure

The pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane using the checklist. Both main fuel tanks were filled with fuel, but the auxiliary wing tip tanks were not serviced. Fuel samples taken during the preflight were free of water and debris. The engine run-up, takeoff, and initial climb proceeded without incident.

Power Loss and Forced Landing

When the airplane reached approximately 1,000 feet, the engine ceased producing power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane struck a building and a post before coming to rest.

Post-Accident Examination

The pilot stated that the fuel selector had been positioned on the left main fuel tank. However, FAA inspectors found the fuel selector in the left wing tip tank position. Examination of the engine revealed only impact damage; the engine started and ran continuously during a subsequent test run.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 2002 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Louisville, KY?

After a routine preflight and takeoff, an airplane experienced an engine power loss at about 1,000 feet, resulting in a forced landing during which it struck a building and a post. The fuel selector was found in the left wing tip tank position, contrary to the pilot's statement.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 2002 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N166PA, at Louisville, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent selection of an empty fuel tank, which resulted in fuel starvation of the engine.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020429X00594. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.