Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's to switch fuel tanks which resulted in fuel starvation. A factor related to the accident was the rough terrain on which the airplane was landed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Fuel in the right fuel tank was exhausted during an ils to runway 12. A loss of power on the right engine resulted. The airplane touched down in rough terrain approximately 1,000 feet short of the runway. The pilot stated he failed to switch fuel tanks.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 19, 1993, at 2130 central daylight time, a Piper Pa-23-250, N5309Y, registered to the Emmetsburg Medical Clinic, Emmetsburg, Iowa, undershot the runway following a loss of engine power on one engine during an ILS approach. The accident occurred at the Spencer Airport, Spencer, Iowa, during a business flight. Visual meteological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan had been filed. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Prarie Du Chien, Wisconsin, on September 20, 1993, at 2000 cdt. The pilot stated that while on final approach the right fuel tank ran dry. He stated he failed to switch the tanks and a total loss of power occurred on the right engine. The airplane touched down in rough terrain approximately 1,000 short of runway 12. -