NAPLES, FL, USA
N8469P
Piper PA-24-400
The pilot stated he was on approach for landing at the destination airport. He selected an empty fuel tank (auxiliary tank), experienced a total loss of engine power, and crashed during a forced landing.
On December 19, 1999, at about 1220 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24-400, N8469P, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed on approach to Wings South Airpark (15X), Naples, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and passenger reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Atlanta, Georgia, about 3 hours 20 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he cancelled IFR about 15 miles north of Naples, and continued VFR. He entered the traffic pattern for runway 36 at his destination airport, and had turned right base when the engine quit. The pilot stated, "It is my opinion that it was pilot error that caused power failure. I should of been on main tank but I switched to an empty aux. Tank."
The pilot's improper fuel management and selection of an empty fuel tank (auxiliary) on approach for landing. This resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, forced landing, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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