Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After takeoff, while climbing through about 400 feet AGL, the engine lost power. The pilot made a forced landing in a wooded area. Fire personnel reported the smell of fuel at the accident site. The pilot told them he had turned the fuel off; however, the fuel selector was found positioned to the left tank after the accident. Additionally, no anomaly with the engine or fuel system was found.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 18, 1995, at 1450 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N4319T, was substantially damaged when it struck trees during a forced landing, after takeoff, in Auburn, Massachusetts. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which departed Oxford Airport, Oxford, Massachusetts, about 1 minute prior to the accident, and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot reported that they had arrived at Oxford, and then taxied back for departure, and made a normal takeoff. Airborne, and at an altitude of about 400 feet AGL, the engine started to sputter. Additionally, he stated: ...I checked elect[ric] fuel pump on position, mixture full rich, power check, carb heat off...We looked for some place to put down, but I saw no options straight out. I steered to the right with shallow input to stay away from residential area, and kept [unidentified word] the throttle hoping to resume full power. As we glided lower I realized that our only option was a controlled crash into the softwoods (pines). I pulled back on the yoke just prior to impact.... The FAA reported that first responders to the scene reported a heavy smell of fuel. The pilot reported that he had turned the fuel selector to off, but it was found in the left tank position by fire personnel. According to the Piper PA-28-161 owners manual, the fuel selector was located on the left side panel, forward of the pilot's seat. It was a three position valve, which when positioned to OFF, and rotated clockwise, goes to left the left fuel tank position, and then the right fuel tank position. -