NTSB Factual Report

On July 3, 2001, at 1655 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N8007N, owned and piloted by a commercial pilot, was destroyed on impacted terrain following a loss of engine power during climbout from the Canadian Lakes Airport, Mecosta, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot received serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

Witnesses reported that the airplane departed in a southerly direction. At approximately 200 feet agl, the engine began sputtering. The airplane made a right climbing banked turn and gained 50-100 feet at which time the engine quit. The engine stopped and the left wing dropped.

Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed that the fuel selector was selected to the left fuel tank. The left fuel tank did not contain fuel and the right tank contained 15 gallons of fuel. The fuel line from the electric pump to the engine driven pump did not contain fuel. The fuel line leading to the carburetor did not contain fuel. The carburetor fuel bowl contained fuel level which was less than 1/16 inch in depth. The engine was rotated and compression was obtained from all cylinders and engine continuity was established. Electrical continuity of both magnetos was confirmed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot and fuel starvation. Additional causes were the aircraft control not maintained, and the inadvertent stall by the pilot.