NTSB Factual Report

On November 3, 2001, about 1245 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22-108, N5207Z, was substantially damaged, when it made a forced landing about 4 miles east-northeast of Roanoke Regional Airport, Roanoke, Virginia. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, the airplane was equipped with two fuel tanks, one in each wing, which had a capacity of 18 gallons each. The left fuel tank was designated the main fuel tank, and the right fuel tank was designated as the auxiliary fuel tank.

The pilot had departed from New London Airport, Forest, Virginia, with full tanks, and flew to Roanoke on the left fuel tank. The takeoff from Roanoke for the return flight to New London was also conducted on the left tank. However, while climbing, and less than 1,000 feet above the ground, the pilot switched to the right fuel tank. Within 2 minutes, the engine lost power. The pilot described the power loss as smooth, with no sputtering, backfiring, or hesitation. The pilot further stated that he did not have time to focus on the power loss, as he was losing altitude, and he needed to set up for a forced landing. He reported that he did not return the fuel selector to the left tank. The airplane struck the edge of a detached garage with the wing, then the ground behind a residence, and came to rest inverted.

According to an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane was still inverted when he examined it. The fuel tanks had been drained due to leaks from the fuel caps. The fuel selector was on the right fuel tank. The carburetor was separated from the engine and had impact damage. The main fuel strainer was absent of debris.

The airplane was subsequently moved to a nearby airport for further examination. In a follow-up investigation of the airplane the FAA inspector wrote:

"..A review of the Piper Cold (PA 22) owners handbook, section II FUEL SYSTEM, states the AUX tank must be used in LEVEL FLIGHT ONLY...Engine rotation was checked with all ignition systems, engine drive systems, exhaust system, intake system, oil system, and fuel delivery checking normal. The fuel selector outer position ring...was noted as not secure and tank position was difficult to check, or verify. The outer ring has previously been incorrectly attached to the aircraft upholstery with out benefit of the correct location of a backing plate...to positively secure the outer position ring to the aircraft. Each detent of the selector valve...however could be felt but the selector pointer handle obscures the tank position index mark...and the pilot stated he was in turbulence when he switched tanks could not verify or feel the correct detent. He felt it was possible he overran slightly the intended tank selection. A slight overrun was introduced and fuel supply to the engine was blocked as a result."

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot ensure the proper position of the fuel selector which resulted in fuel starvation. Factors were the improper placement of the fuel selector valve tank index, and the improper in-flight decision of the pilot to change tanks in accordance with the owner's manual.