Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN09CA064

Stafford, KS, USA

Aircraft #1

N6744W

PIPER PA-28-140

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

The student pilot and his passenger had just departed in a single-engine airplane when the engine stopped producing power. The pilot attempted to switch the fuel selector to the fuller fuel tank, while making a left hand turn back towards the airport. He was unable to maintain altitude and landed hard in a cornfield resulting in substantial damage to the firewall and left wing spar. Examination of the airplane revealed that both fuel tanks were intact and filled with some fuel; however, the fuel was not drained to determine if there was any contamination or to verify how much fuel was in each tank. Engine continuity was established by manual rotation of the propeller, and no obvious mechanical deficiencies were noted.

Probable Cause and Findings

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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