# NTSB BFO87LA066: Piper PA-32-260, N3636W, Roanoke, VA, September 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1987, 15:59 local (19:59 UTC)
- Place: Roanoke, VA
- Coordinates: 37.310009, -79.899673 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3100&lon=-79.8997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11340
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO87LA066
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11340/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87LA066

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

ROANOKE TOWER CLEARED THE AIRCRAFT FOR LANDING AND THE PILOT PULLED THE POWER TO IDLE. THE PILOT DID NOT REALIZE THE ENGINE HAD QUIT UNTIL HE APPLIED POWER ON SHORT FINAL AND THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK SHORT OF RUNWAY 33. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE FORGOT TO SWITCH TANKS DURING FLIGHT. THE LEFT TANK WAS FOUND EMPTY WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR ON THE LEFT TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3636W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3636W-2013-03-07), registration cancelled 2013-03-07, S/N 32-538, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32538
- Airframe hours: 6425
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George Pitts, doing business as Hilman Aviation
- Registered owner: Aa Air Charter Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 12, 1987, 19 hours before
- Departed: W91, MONETA, VA
- Airport: ROA, Roanoke Regional Woodrum, runway 33, 5,800 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 374 total, 47 in this make and model, 281 as pilot in command, 99 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ROA, 1 nm away

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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