N9122W

Substantial
Minor

Piper PA-28-235S/N: 28-10738

Accident Details

Date
Friday, May 30, 2008
NTSB Number
DFW08CA160
Location
Amistad, NM
Event ID
20080801X01139
Coordinates
35.937500, -103.116111
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
4

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

Registration
N9122W
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-10738
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1966
Model / ICAO
PA-28-235P28B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
GIBBS MICHAEL J
Address
19 INDIAN LN
Status
Deregistered
City
MESILLA PARK
State / Zip Code
NM 88047
Country
United States

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