N1452T

On February 15, 2000, about 0830 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N1452T, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from Ukiah, California. The owner operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot and his private pilot rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot stated fuel levels in both fuel tanks were 1 inch from the top of the filler neck when the airplane departed Hayward, California, en route to Ukiah. He told the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accident coordinator the right tank was selected for the flight to Ukiah, the landing, and the subsequent takeoff for the return trip to Hayward. The pilot stated he initiated a right turn after departure from runway 33 at an altitude of 400 feet agl. Passing through 500 feet, he encountered a power fluctuation, which concerned him enough to continue his turn to set up for a landing on runway 15. The engine then quit producing power, and the pilot set up a glide to attempt a return to the airport. After advancing the mixture, throttle, and propeller controls, he verified the ignition was on, but did not have time to switch fuel tanks. The airplane collided with a fence along the airport boundary. The Federal Aviation Administration accident coordinator inspected the airplane and observed the fuel selector on the right tank and drained 12 ounces of fuel from that tank. The fuel inlet line to the engine was examined and no fuel was present. The left tank fuel level was 1 inch below the filler neck. The takeoff and the approach and landing checklists in the Owner's Handbook instruct the pilot to select the fullest tank prior to landing and the proper tank for takeoff.