On November 28, 2020, a PIPER PA28 160 was involved in an aviation accident near French Lick, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power on the third touch-and-go landing after failing to switch fuel tanks. The forced landing into a wooded area was consistent with fuel starvation.
Accident Overview
A pilot departed from his home airport for a personal flight with approximately 8 to 9 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 6 to 7 gallons in the right tank. The plan was to use the left fuel tank for the majority of the flight and then switch to the right tank upon returning to the airport for touch-and-go landings.
Events Leading to Power Loss
During the third touch-and-go landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot stated that he had not switched to the right fuel tank as intended. He applied carburetor heat but did not remember to switch fuel tanks.
Forced Landing and Outcome
Unable to restart the engine, the pilot performed a forced landing into a wooded area near the airport. The accident scenario is consistent with a total loss of engine power caused by fuel starvation.
Probable cause
Total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
10 Dec 2025 — PIPER PA28 181 (Ameriflyers OF Texas INC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Nov 2020 PIPER PA28 160 accident near French Lick, IN?
A pilot experienced a total loss of engine power on the third touch-and-go landing after failing to switch fuel tanks. The forced landing into a wooded area was consistent with fuel starvation.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Nov 2020 PIPER PA28 160 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Nov 2020 involved a PIPER PA28 160, at French Lick, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…