Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector was properly positioned, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that he performed the emergency procedures but did not think to check the position of the fuel selector. The pilot conducted a forced landing in a nearby field, and the airplane’s firewall and left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that the fuel selector was on an auxiliary tank that did not contain any fuel. He added that the fuel selector was easy to move inadvertently and that a passenger’s foot may have moved the selector before takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA415 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 24, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Richmond, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Richmond Municipal (KRID)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-235
- N-number
- N8788W
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.