Primary finding
Probable cause
the loose fuel selector handle/valve which resulted in an inability to properly switch fuel tanks.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot made a forced landing in a field. The fuel selector was found in the right outboard tank position, and the handle was described as very loose. There was no fuel in the right outboard tank, but it also had a small hole in it caused by the forced landing. There was fuel in the other three tanks. The engine started and ran when the fuel selector was positioned to another tank. The Operator's Handbook states 'fuel selector on fullest main tank' for takeoff.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 17, 1993, at 1600 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, N823PJ, sustained substantial damage in a forced landing, following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Morey Airport, Madison, Wisconsin. The private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane reported he found the fuel selector in the right outboard tank detent position, and that the selector handle was very loose. The left main and the left outboard tanks were one- third full. The right main was seven-eighths full. The right outboard was empty. There was a small hole in the right outboard tank as a result of the off-airport landing. The right outboard fuel gauge was placarded inoperative. The Piper Cherokee Six Operator's Handbook states the fuel selector should be on the "fullest main tank" for takeoff. When the fuel selector was moved to another tank the engine started and ran. -