On April 24, 2004, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N32891) operated by Dillon Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Delco, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's improper fuel management resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. A factor was the flight instructor's failure to use the checklist. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A flight instructor and a private pilot experienced a loss of engine power during an instrument training flight. The aircraft made a forced landing in a field and collided with trees. Examination revealed the right fuel tank was empty.
Incident Overview
During an instrument training flight conducted by a flight instructor and a private pilot, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power while being vectored by an air traffic controller for an NDB approach. The instructor did not use the checklist for the loss of engine power. The fuel selector was not moved to the left main fuel tank. An emergency was declared and a forced landing was performed in an open field. During the landing roll out, the aircraft collided with trees, resulting in the separation of the left wing.
Flight Details
The engine start, run up, and flight were conducted on the right main fuel tank. The flight duration was 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the right main fuel tank revealed it was empty. Emergency personnel observed fuel dripping from the left fuel tank after the left wing separated. The pilot stated that the loss of engine power was caused by "fuel starvation." A partial disassembly and examination of the engine found no anomalies.