Incident Details
On 7 May 2001, at 1414 hours UTC, a Piper Aircraft Corporation Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BSZT, experienced an engine failure while on approach to Shoreham Airport. The aircraft, manufactured in 1981 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D3G engine, was being operated on a private flight with only the pilot on board. The pilot, aged 49 and holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 157 total flying hours (27 on type), reported no injuries to himself and no damage to the aircraft beyond the nose gear and one wing.
Flight Sequence
Before starting the engine, the pilot visually checked fuel levels through the wing tank filler points and noted the cockpit gauges. He intended a short local flight and deemed the fuel sufficient. At 1320 hours, the aircraft started and taxied using fuel from the left wing tank, which contained less fuel than the right. While holding before the runway for engine power checks, the pilot switched the fuel supply to the right wing tank. After a delay of 5 to 8 minutes due to other traffic, he departed to the local area.
During the flight, the pilot applied carburettor heat every 5 to 7 minutes. After returning to Shoreham, he was cleared for an overhead rejoin of the left-hand circuit for Runway 03. He descended on the dead side and turned crosswind at 1,100 feet. During the pre-landing checks, he verified fuel quantity and supply but could not recall the quantity; the supply remained from the right wing tank.
On base leg at a heading of 120°, the engine coughed and stopped. The pilot checked the mixture (fully rich) and opened the throttle; the engine responded briefly then stopped again. He transmitted a MAYDAY call and positioned for a forced landing on the beach. The aircraft lost height quickly; as it touched the water's edge, the stall warning sounded. The aircraft ran about 20 metres, struck a small pebble undulation, bounced airborne, then landed farther up the beach. The pilot exited normally.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot attributed the engine failure to fuel starvation. Although total fuel on board was sufficient for the flight, he had omitted to select the fuel supply from the left wing tank, which still contained adequate fuel. He stated he was distracted when performing the fuel item on the pre-landing checklist.