What happened
On March 18, 2014, a Piper Cherokee PA32-6, registration N87619, crashed into a mountainous area near the Arau Airstrip in Region 7, Guyana. The flight departed the airstrip at approximately 13:05 UTC. Shortly after takeoff, the engine began running roughly, prompting the pilot to attempt a turn back toward the airfield.
During this critical phase of flight, the pilot attempted to switch fuel tanks to restore engine performance. However, instead of selecting the tank with higher fuel levels, the pilot mistakenly moved the selector to an empty wing tip tank. This error resulted in the aircraft losing power approximately three to four minutes after departure. The aircraft struck trees at an elevation of 2,851 feet, causing the starboard wing to separate from the fuselage. There were six persons on board, including the pilot and three passengers; while there were no fatalities, two passengers sustained serious injuries and one person sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, fuel management, and the pilot's operational procedures. Investigators found that the aircraft was being operated in a manner that bypassed several safety protocols. Notably, the aircraft was being used to transport passengers in an unsafe manner, as two passengers were seated on the floor because the necessary seats had been removed to accommodate cargo.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's fuel practices, noting that fuel was being transported in unapproved drums. The investigation also noted that the pilot failed to utilize a checklist and did not properly communicate his flight intentions to the Georgetown Flight Information Center, relying instead on a satellite phone after the accident had already occurred.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was fuel exhaustion.
- The pilot's complacency regarding fuel levels led to insufficient reserves for the flight.
- A critical error occurred during takeoff when the pilot failed to select the tank with the most fuel, instead departing with the selector on a tank containing only 5 gallons.
- During the emergency, the pilot's attempt to switch tanks resulted in selecting an empty wing tip tank.
- The pilot failed to follow standard pre-takeoff checklists and fuel management procedures.
- The aircraft was improperly loaded, with passengers seated on the floor without proper restraints.