Incident Summary
The pilot was practicing steep turns at 3,000 feet MSL and reduced engine power to descend. At 2,100 feet MSL, the pilot added power but the airplane did not respond. The pilot established glide airspeed toward a field and completed emergency procedures, but engine power did not return. The airplane touched down in a field and sank deeply into wet, plowed soil. The left wing struck an irrigation sprinkler during the landing.
Aircraft Damage and Fuel Recovery
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left main landing gear was collapsed, the nosewheel was separated, and the left wing sustained crush damage. Fuel leaked from the damaged left wing. Emergency response personnel contained the spill and recovered approximately 5 to 6 gallons of fuel from the left tank and 3 to 4 gallons from the right tank.
Engine Examination
The engine was examined and ran with no evidence of mechanical malfunction or abnormalities.
Operator's Manual Reference
The Piper Cherokee II Information Manual states in Section 7-1, Operating Tips, Item 15: 'The shape of the wing fuel tanks is such that in certain (flight) maneuvers fuel may move away from the tank outlet. If the outlet is uncovered, the fuel flow will be interrupted and a temporary loss of power may result.'