Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's improper flare during the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported 'the aircraft engine stopped' and he made a 'forced landing.' The forced landing was made in a level gravel field. During the landing, both main landing gear collapsed, and the left gear penetrated the upper surface of the wing. The propeller was positioned horizontally and was undamaged. The left fuel tank contained 18 gallons of fuel, and the right fuel tank was empty. The fuel selector was found in the off position. The engine operated normally during a postaccident test run.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 31, 1996, about 0900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32, N2087A, sustained substantial damage when the landing gear collapsed during a forced landing in Chicago, Illinois. The commercial rated pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91, personal flight originated about 0700 in Gary, Indiana with a planned destination of Chicago, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. In his written statement, the pilot reported "the aircraft engine stopped" and he made a "forced landing." The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector who examined the airplane reported that it was located in a level gravel field. The propeller was positioned horizontally and was undamaged. Both main landing gear were collapsed and the left gear had penetrated the upper surface of the wing. The left fuel tank contained 18 gallons of fuel and the right fuel tank was empty. The fuel selector was in the off position. He reported no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The airframe and powerplant mechanic who recovered the airplane from the field reported that the engine operated normally during a test run. -