What happened
On June 10, 2024, at approximately 1311 Eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-2ELS-140, registration N1039X, was involved in an accident near Clinton, Michigan. The aircraft, operated by Solo Aviation Inc., was conducting a Part 91 instructional flight. The flight was intended for a flight instructor and a student pilot to perform initial training maneuvers; it was their first flight together.
Data from ADS-B showed the aircraft departed from Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) at approximately 1132. At 1308, the pilot contacted the ARB tower controller to receive the local altimeter and was instructed to proceed straight-in for Runway 6. Approximately one minute later, the aircraft began a descent and entered a left turn. When the controller inquired if the aircraft was still inbound, the pilot did not respond. The aircraft continued to descend to an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet MSL before disappearing from radar.
The aircraft impacted a field roughly 13 nautical miles southwest of ARB at an elevation of 910 feet MSL. The impact left a ground scar, with the right wingtip located 35 feet north of the main wreckage. The main wreckage rested on a heading of 270°. The right wing had separated from the fuselage, and the forward fuselage was partially separated forward of the cabin door frame. The damage and ground scars were consistent with the aircraft impacting the terrain in a steep nose-down, right wing low attitude.
The investigation
Fuel records showed the aircraft was fueled on June 8, 2024, with 13.9 gallons. During recovery, approximately 1.25 gallons of blue liquid consistent with AVGAS was drained from the left fuel tank; testing showed no water was present. The right fuel tank contained only a trace amount of liquid, also consistent with AVGAS and free of water. The fuel cap and seal were found to be secure and intact.
Investigators found the fuel selector handle and valve positioned between the left tank and the off position, with the handle rotated toward the off position beyond the lockout. When tested with low air pressure, the fuel selector valve did not allow fuel to flow in its as-found condition. Flight control continuity was confirmed despite separations caused by the impact and rescue efforts.