N722RMPiper PA-32-300 · 1974

After departing on the accident flight, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left main fuel tank to the right wingtip fuel tank, and later the left wingtip fuel tank. With an estimated 20 minutes of flight time remaining, he attempted to select the right main fuel tank, but inadvertently selected the left main fuel tank. About 10 minutes later, began losing power. Despite the pilot’s efforts to troubleshoot the issue by activating the fuel pump and articulating the throttle, the engine lost power completely. The pilot then selected the right main fuel tank but was unable to restart the engine. He subsequently performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane struck wires and fence posts, substantially damaging the left wing, as well as the horizontal and vertical stabilizers.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that only 8 ounces of fuel remained in the left main fuel tank. While damage the left wing incurred during the accident compromised the integrity of the tank, there was no evidence of any fuel leakage. About 25 gallons of fuel remained in the right main fuel tank. The airframe fuel strainer contained about 2 ounces of uncontaminated fuel. Examination and operational testing of the fuel selector valve confirmed that the selector valve was functional in all positions and the indicator aligned properly in the detents. Based on this information, the pilot’s inadvertent selection of the left main fuel tank resulted in exhausting its fuel supply, and the subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.