Piper PA-28-181 N8274H accident near Minneapolis, Minnesota

Probable cause

Loss of engine power due to fuel starvation that was the result of a leaking fuel drain.

NTSB analysis

The airplane’s engine momentarily lost power while approaching to land near the conclusion of about a 3.5-hour flight. The pilot advanced the throttle control and engine power was restored for about 30 seconds to one minute before all engine power was again lost. The pilot reported that the airplane was operating on the right fuel tank when the power loss occurred and that all attempts to restore power were unsuccessful, including switching to the left fuel tank. The airplane struck a car during the ensuing forced landing to a road, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

Postaccident examination shortly after the accident revealed that the left fuel tank drain was leaking an undetermined amount of fuel, and the left fuel tank did not contain a usable amount of fuel. The fuel tank was not compromised. The right fuel tank contained an undetermined amount of usable fuel. Examination of the fuel tank drain revealed that the o-ring seal was deformed and gouged. Subsequent examination revealed no other anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation.

Based on the available information, although the pilot believed he was operating on the right fuel tank, he was likely operating on the left fuel tank, which had leaked an undetermined amount of fuel. The leakage from the tank drain resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power. Due to the low altitude when the power loss occurred, the pilot was unable to restore fuel flow to the engine before the forced landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA050 for the full record.