No fatalities

19 Apr 2018: PIPER PA 22 135 — Shelby, MT

Shelby, MT, United States

On 19 Apr 2018, a PIPER PA 22 135 was involved in an aviation accident near Shelby, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector, resulting in fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a forced landing after engine power loss, the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported a fuel selector issue and no preaccident mechanical failures.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that while flying over the destination airport, the airplane's engine lost power. He initiated a glide, applied mixture full rich, and restarted the engine, but during the approach the engine lost power again.

Fuel Management

He checked the fuel gauges and the right gauge read between ¼ and ½ tank. He switched to the left fuel tank, which he knew was full. The engine restarted briefly, but then lost power. He added that he "must not have put the selector in the [correct] position because [he] had plenty of fuel in the left tank".

Forced Landing and Damage

During the forced landing, the airplane landed off the runway, rolled for about 20 to 25 ft., the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on its nose. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector, resulting in fuel starvation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Incorrect use/operationFluid managementPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment