LIVE OAK, FL, USA
N8331U
PIPER PA-32R-301
THE PILOT WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT AND SWITCHED FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING TO AN AIRPORT BELOW HIM, AND WHEN HE LOWERED THE LANDING GEAR THE DESCENT RATE INCREASED AND HE CRASHED SHORT OF THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT STATED HE NEVER ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH BACK TO THE LEFT FUEL TANK AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THE LEFT FUEL TANK HAD ABOUT 20 GALLONS OF FUEL AND THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY.
On January 4, 1994, about 0836 eastern standard time, N8331U, a Piper PA-32R-310 registered to and operated by the pilot Sirois Barker crashed in Live Oak, Florida, while on a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed for the flight from Lakeland, Florida, to Valdosta, Georgia. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot, the sole occupant, reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Lakeland, Florida, about 45 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that he switched from the left to the right tank and the engine sputtered and failed. He did not switch back to the left tank and attempted a forced landing to Live Oak Airport. When he lowered the landing gear his descent rate increased and he crashed short of the airport. Examination of the airplane by FAA personnel after the accident revealed the left tank had about 20 gallons of fuel and the right tank was empty.
THE IMPROPER USE OF THE FUEL SELECTOR BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND BY SWITCHING TO AN EMPTY FUEL TANK. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SWITCH BACK TO A TANK WITH FUEL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
