What happened
On April 20, 2015, at approximately 07:50 a.m., a Piper PA-32-260 Cherokee Six, registration HI-957, crashed in a golf course at the Cocotal Residential complex in Bávaro, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic. The aircraft was operating a commercial flight from Punta Cana International Airport (MDPC) to Arroyo Barril Aerodrome.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost power and descended. During the descent, the aircraft struck trees, causing the right wing to separate and fuel to spill onto the hot engine, resulting in a post-impact fire. The impact and subsequent fire caused the seven fatalities (the pilot and six passengers) on board. The aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's engine, the fuel system, and the pilot's actions. A teardown inspection of the Lycoming O-540-E4B5 engine was conducted in the United States, which revealed no mechanical malfunctions that would have prevented the engine from producing power.
Investigators found that the fuel selector valve was set to the left wing tank. Based on the aircraft's fuel consumption rate, the engine likely ceased operation due to fuel exhaustion. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot did not execute the manufacturer-recommended emergency procedures for an engine failure, which include switching fuel tanks, engaging the electric fuel pump, and setting a rich mixture before attempting a restart. The investigation also noted that the high centrifugal forces during the aircraft's uncontrolled descent and spin caused seats to detach and safety belts to break.
Findings
- The fuel selector valve was positioned to the left external tank.
- The engine was not producing power at the time of impact.
- The pilot failed to follow established emergency procedures for managing an engine failure.
- The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion after the pilot departed with only the left wing tank selected.