Piper PA-32-300 N33022 accident near Orcas Island, Washington

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s mismanagement of the fuel system which resulted in fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The accident occurred on the return flight to the operator’s home base. While en route, the engine hesitated and within seconds lost all power. The pilot turned toward land, turned the electric fuel pump to ON, and switched from left main fuel tank to the right main fuel tank. During the descent for a forced landing, the engine sputtered and lost power again. The pilot continued to land the airplane, which impacted the terrain hard in an open field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

During the airplane recovery, it was determined that both main fuel tanks were intact. A total of 8 ounces of fuel were drained from the left main fuel tank and a total of 15 gallons of fuel were drained from the right fuel tank. Postaccident examination revealed that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures to the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot’s mismanagement of the fuel system during the flight.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA363 for the full record.