Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to place the aircraft fuel selector to the tank with fuel remaining.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, the aircraft engine stopped producing power. He attempted a forced landing, and during the landing roll, the aircraft struck a building. Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was selected to the right fuel tank. The right fuel tank had one pint of fuel remaining, and the left tank had ten gallons of fuel remaining. A test run of the aircraft engine revealed that the engine operated normally at various speeds. The aircraft fuel gauges operated normally.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 2, 1994, about 1847 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N4298Y was substantially damaged following a forced landing near Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Neither the private pilot nor his passenger were injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight. The flight departed Walnut Grove, North Carolina about 1647. The pilot reported that the engine began to run roughly, and he elected to attempt an emergency landing in a field. The aircraft struck a building prior to coming to rest in the field. Examination of the aircraft revealed that the right fuel tank had one pint of fuel remaining in the tank. The left fuel tank had approximately 10 gallons of fuel remaining. The aircraft fuel tank selector was selected to the right fuel tank. The aircraft fuel line to the carburetor was dry, and the carburetor bowl was empty. The aircraft fuel pump was checked and was working properly. The aircraft fuel gages were checked, and were working properly. A test run of the aircraft engine showed the engine to start easily, and operate normally at various speeds. -