Batavia, OH, USA
N3425R
Piper PA-28-180
The airplane impacted a field during a forced landing after a total loss of engine power about 500 feet above ground level and while on approach to the destination airport. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank was half full. The fuel selector was positioned to the right fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel pump switch was in the off position. Examination of the engine did not note any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
On November 20, 2005, at 1030 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N3425R, owned and piloted by a private pilot, received substantial damage on impact with terrain during a forced landing three statute miles northeast from Clermont County Airport (I69), Batavia, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot was uninjured. The local flight originated from I69 at 0915. The pilot stated that while on approach and approximately 2 miles from I69, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power about 500 feet above ground level. The pilot then performed a forced landing on an agricultural field. Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the left fuel tank did not contain usable fuel and the right fuel tank was 1/2 full with 100 low lead aviation fuel. Compression was noted on all cylinders. Engine mechanical and electrical continuity was confirmed. The fuel selector was positioned to the right fuel tank and the auxiliary fuel pump switch was in the off position.
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and improper fuel management by the pilot while on approach. Contributing factors were the low altitude and unsuitable terrain encountered during an emergency landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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