Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was initiating a visual approach for landing. He switched fuel tanks to the left tank position, and the engine roughened up, and quit. Unable to make the runway, he force landed in a wooded, swampy area. After the accident, a test run of the engine was performed on the airframe. The engine started on the first attempt, and ran for about 20 minutes. The reason for the loss of power could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 15, 1995, at 1938 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-151, N32411, force landed in a swamp following an in flight loss of engine power near Orange Beach, Alabama. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated in Ft. Myers, Florida, at an undetermined time. The pilot reported that he was switching fuel tanks prior to the visual approach to the Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores, Alabama. After switching to the left fuel tank, which indicated 8 to 10 gallons of fuel, the engine "roughened up, and consequently quit." His altitude at the time was insufficient to make the runway, so he set up for a tree top landing. The aircraft impacted in a swampy area, coming to rest on its nose. The aircraft was transported to a storage and salvage facility, where an engine inspection could be performed. There was evidence of fuel in both fuel tanks. The fuselage was secured, and the engine was test run on the airframe. The engine started on the first attempt. The electric boost pump operated satisfactorily. The engine was run for about 20 minutes, and the test run was terminated. Compression was observed on all cylinders, and both magnetos were operative. -