Accident Details
On April 29, 2008, at 1957 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, registration N303TE, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field one mile south of runway 04 at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston, Texas. The commercial pilot reported minor injuries, and the three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The personal flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The cross-country flight had departed Calhoun County Airport (PKV), Port Lavaca, Texas, approximately 1800, and was en route to HOU.
Engine Power Loss
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector who responded to the accident site, the airplane was on final approach for runway 04. The pilot reported that the engine lost power suddenly, as if someone had "flipped a switch." He stated that the engine did not sputter and no abnormalities were noted prior to the loss of engine power. The pilot had selected the fuel selector valve to the left main tank. Following the power loss, he switched to the right tank and then returned to the left tank.
Forced Landing and Damage
During the forced landing, the nose landing gear separated, both main landing gear were compressed up through the top of the wings, the fuselage was wrinkled, and the propeller was bent. The FAA inspector observed fuel in all four fuel tanks.
Engine Examination and Test Run
On May 13, 2008, an examination and engine test run were conducted under the auspices of the National Transportation Safety Board. The engine was run using the airplane's fuel system, except for an external fuel tank used in place of the wing tanks. The engine started and operated through its full power band without interruption. During the final engine run, the fuel selector was placed between two of the tanks, and the engine failed within 15 to 20 seconds. Examination of the airplane's engine and fuel system revealed no mechanical deficiencies.