Accident Overview
On May 11, 2023, about 1915 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N1347T, was substantially damaged when it struck a wooded area near Selma, Alabama. The sole pilot on board was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported a preflight inspection at St. Clair County Airport (PLR) in Pell City, Alabama, noting 48 gallons of fuel in the tanks. Departing on the right wing tank, he switched to the left wing tank about 30 minutes into the flight to Monroeville, Alabama. Approximately 25 minutes later, the engine slowed to what appeared to be an idle power setting. The pilot activated the fuel pump, enriched the mixture, and turned on carburetor heat, but engine power did not recover. The airplane descended, and the pilot attempted a forced landing to a field, but the aircraft impacted pine trees before reaching the field. The pilot stated the engine may have "quit" before impact and that he did not attempt to switch fuel tanks during the emergency.
Wreckage and Engine Examination
The main wreckage came to rest on its left side, with the left wing outboard portion fractured at the root. The right wing was also fractured at the root and resting atop the left wing. The fuselage, empennage, and wings sustained substantial damage.
A postaccident engine examination found no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation. All cylinders achieved compression and suction. Throttle and mixture cables remained attached and moved with cockpit control inputs. Borescope inspection revealed only oil in cylinders No. 2 and 4; spark plugs appeared normal; both magnetos produced spark. A small amount of fuel was present in the carburetor float bowl.
Fuel System Findings
The fuel selector valve was positioned to the left tank. The left wing fuel sump drain was open and locked; the left wing fuel tank was mostly intact and empty. The right wing fuel tank, with its sump drain closed, was breached and also empty. A fuel receipt showed 20.26 gallons purchased on May 9, 2023, at PLR. A photo taken "minutes after" the accident by the owner showed fuel staining on the left flap aft of the fuel drain.
Emergency Checklist Reference
The manufacturer's Owner's Handbook lists for Engine Power Loss In-Flight: (1) Fuel Selector – switch to another tank containing fuel, (2) Electric Fuel Pump – ON, (3) Mixture – Rich, (4) Carburetor Heat – On.