Accident Details
On July 27, 2012, at approximately 1509 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250, registration N6248P, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and collision with a fence at Montgomery Executive Airport (BCB), Blacksburg, Virginia. The certificated airline transport pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight originated from Crestview, Florida (CEW) at about 1030 central daylight time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that while approaching the destination airport for landing, the engine began to lose power. He applied carburetor heat, but this did not improve engine performance. He then switched the right fuel selector from the main tank to the right tip tank, but the engine did not recover. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot attempted a forced landing in the airport parking lot. The airplane touched down in the parking lot and collided with a perimeter fence.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage and confirmed substantial damage to the wings. The wreckage was recovered to a local maintenance facility for further examination. The left tip tank contained a residual amount of fuel. The left and right main tanks were empty of fuel. The right tip tank contained about 7.5 gallons of fuel. The airplane was equipped with a Britton fuel tank modification. There were two fuel selector handles: the left handle was in the "L MAIN" position, and the right handle was in the "R TIP" position. A placard installed on the fuel tank selector panel stated that tip tanks should be used in level flight only.
Fuel System Observations
According to the FAA, the pilot stated that his fuel gauges indicated about one quarter full at the time of the accident; however, he was not sure if they were accurate, so he relied on his calculations of fuel burn rate during the flight. The flight plan filed by the pilot indicated an en route time of 2 hours and 32 minutes. At the time of the power loss, the flight had been airborne for about 3 hours and 39 minutes.