On January 17, 2004, a Piper PA 22-160 (registration N8718D) was involved in an aviation accident near Carefree, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate fuel management by his failure to switch the fuel tank selector position, which resulted in fuel starvation, a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced an in-flight power loss during cruise flight, resulting in a forced landing on a beach where the plane struck rocks. Investigation revealed the right fuel tank was empty despite the selector being set to that position.
What happened
The pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power while cruising. The aircraft subsequently collided with rocks during an emergency landing on a beach.
The investigation
At the accident site, investigators found the right fuel tank was empty and the fuel selector positioned to the right tank. Recovery personnel operating under the supervision of FAA personnel successfully ran the engine up to 2,300 rpm at a follow-up examination.
Findings
The fuel system appeared functional during ground testing, suggesting an operational error or unreported fuel state prior to the flight.