Summary
On January 04, 1994, a Piper PA-32R-301 (N8331U) was involved in an accident near Live Oak, FL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: 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.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report MIA94LA046. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8331U.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
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.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
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.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA94LA046