Piper PA-32R Safety Record

The pilot’s improper fuel management resulting in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and a subsequent off-airport forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s reduced fuel level monitoring due to an inflight distraction.

The pilot’s improper fuel management by not switching fuel tanks in flight, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine and a total loss of engine power.

The airframe and powerplant mechanic's lack of experience in the overhaul of the engine model and the improper torque of the crankshaft gear bolt, which resulted in fatigue failure of the bolt and a total loss of engine power during an approach for landing.

The pilot's failure to fully seat the fuel selector in the left tank position before takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power.

The improper installation of the engine magneto by unknown maintenance personnel, which resulted in the magneto separating from the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delay in proceeding directly to the nearest airport and his failure to prevent the automatic extension of the landing gear following the total loss of engine power, which resulted in a landing undershoot.

The air traffic controller’s failure to comply with the required vectoring and safety alert procedures, which resulted in the airplane’s flight into rising terrain. Contributing to the accident was the Federal Aviation Administration’s continued practice of using air traffic controllers who were performing required radar operational duties to supervise other controllers and the air traffic control facility’s culture of non-compliance with required procedures.

The partial loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a blocked fuel outlet caused by the peeling off of a previously approved fuel tank sealer.

A loss of engine power due to an oil line leak and oil exhaustion. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing.

The presence of a foreign material/substance in the fuel system, which partially blocked the fuel flow divider, and resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb, and an emergency landing. A factor associated with the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.

The pilot not maintaining climb airspeed leading to the airplane's impact with the fence and terrain during takeoff. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inaccurate preflight planning calculations, the fence, and the levee.

The pilot could not maintain altitude or airspeed due to airframe icing as a result of the pilot flying into known adverse weather and failing to comply with the airplane's icing limitation . Factors included the icing conditions and the ice accumulation on the aircraft.