ERA17LA006

The commercial pilot was accomplishing a flight review with his flight instructor seated in the right cockpit seat. Ground operations and the engine run-up were normal. After climbing to 3,000 ft mean sea level, the pilot retarded the throttle and the engine lost total power, with no pressure observed on the fuel pressure gauge. The flight instructor assumed the controls, established best glide speed, and performed a forced landing in a field. After touchdown, the airplane struck an embankment before coming to rest on a dirt road. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the engine that would have precluded normal operation. All fuel tanks contained an adequate supply of fuel. However, examination of the fuel tank selector valve revealed that the valve was stuck in the partially closed position, which would have restricted fuel flow to the engine. Moving the tank selector handle did not open the valve.

On October 6, 2016, about 1015 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260, N8560P, was substantially damaged following a total loss of engine power and forced landing near Hollywood, Alabama. The commercial pilot and a flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from Scottsboro Municipal Airport (4A6), Scottsboro, Alabama, about 1000.The pilot reported that he was accomplishing a flight review and his flight instructor was in the right cockpit seat. Ground operations and the engine run-up were normal. The pilot performed the takeoff and continued on runway heading to 3,000 ft mean sea level. Once level at 3,000 feet, the pilot retarded the throttle to 22-23 inches of manifold pressure. Immediately after retarding the throttle, the engine lost all power. The electric boost pump was turned on; however, the engine did not recover. There was no pressure observed on the fuel pressure gauge. The flight instructor assumed the controls and established best glide speed. A field was chosen for a forced landing and the flight instructor landed the airplane. After touchdown, the airplane struck an embankment before coming to a stop on a dirt road. The pilot and flight instructor exited the airplane and were met by first responders. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. There was structural damage to the wings and the engine firewall. One propeller blade was straight and the other was bent aft. The inspector examined the engine and found no evidence of a mechanical failure or anomaly. Internal engine continuity was confirmed. Compression and suction were observed on all cylinders and valve action was correct. There was an adequate supply of oil in the engine case. All fuel tanks contained an adequate supply of fuel. Examination of the fuel selector valve revealed that the valve was stuck in the partially closed position, restricting fuel flow to the engine. Moving the tank selector handle did not open the valve.