Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The lack of terrain suitable for a forced landing was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Prior to the cross country flight to richard lloyd jones airport (rvs) tulsa, oklahoma, the airplane's left fuel tank was fueled with 12 gallons. After takeoff from rvs, as the airplane reached 450 to 500 feet agl, the engine lost power and the pilot's attempt to restart the engine failed. The pilot 'shut the fuel off and set up for landing.' during landing on a golf course, the landing gear collapsed. The previous flight was flown with the fuel selector on the left tank. Examination of the airplane revealed no fuel in the right wing tank, ten gallons of fuel in the left wing tank, and the fuel selector was in the off position. The engine operated normally after the aircraft was recovered. The left wing was damaged and the nose landing gear was separated from the fuselage.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 14, 1994, at 1224 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 160, N5193W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Tulsa, Oklahoma. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the business flight. The pilot/operator report stated the following information. Before the accident flight the airplane flew from Haskell, Oklahoma, to Richard Lloyd Jones Airport (RVS) Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to departing the airplane's left fuel tank was fueled with 12 gallons. After takeoff from RVS, as the airplane reached 450 to 500 feet AGL, the engine lost power and the pilot's attempt to restart the engine failed. The pilot "shut the fuel off and set up for landing." While landing on a golf course the landing gear collapsed. Both flights was flown with the fuel selector on the left tank. The FAA inspector who examined the airplane at the accident site reported he found no fuel in the right wing tank, ten gallons of fuel in the left wing tank, and the fuel selector was in the off position. He also reported the left wing was damaged and the nose landing gear was separated from the fuselage. He further reported the engine operated normally after the aircraft was recovered. -