Summary
On May 30, 2008, a Piper PA-28-235 (N9122W) was involved in an accident near Amistad, NM. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries, with 2 people uninjured out of 4 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: Fuel starvation while in cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were incorrect maintenance, the fuel selector movement was impeded and a plowed field.
While in cruise flight the private pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted an engine restart, but could not restore engine power. The pilot then elected to perform a forced landing to a plowed field. Upon touchdown, the gear contacted ruts in the ground resulting in a collapse of the landing gear. An examination of the airplane revealed that the housing encasing the fuel selector had been recently replaced with an incorrect housing which impeded movement of the fuel selector to all fuel tanks. The pilot reported that post-maintenance test flights did not detect the incorrect installation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report DFW08CA160. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9122W.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
Fuel starvation while in cruise flight. Contributing to the accident were incorrect maintenance, the fuel selector movement was impeded and a plowed field.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
While in cruise flight the private pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted an engine restart, but could not restore engine power. The pilot then elected to perform a forced landing to a plowed field. Upon touchdown, the gear contacted ruts in the ground resulting in a collapse of the landing gear. An examination of the airplane revealed that the housing encasing the fuel selector had been recently replaced with an incorrect housing which impeded movement of the fuel selector to all fuel tanks. The pilot reported that post-maintenance test flights did not detect the incorrect installation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA160