SHAFTER, CA, USA
N327PL
PIPER PA-32R-301T
AFTER APPROXIMATELY FORTY MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT AND WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS 8,000 FEET ABOVE THE TERRAIN, THE ENGINE FAILED AFTER THE PILOT CHANGED THE FUEL SELECTOR FROM THE RIGHT FUEL TANK TO THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT AND CFI PASSENGER FAILED TO USE THE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST AND WERE UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN AN APPLE ORCHARD. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FUEL IN THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE ENGINE OPERATED NORMALLY DURING THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION.
THE PIC'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND THE PIC'S AND FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/PASSENGER'S FAILURE TO USE THE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST. THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
