FTW00LA263

The airplane was executing a VFR approach, turning from the base leg to short final, when the engine lost total power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane touched down in a field short of the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop upright. The pilot reported to the FAA that 'he was not sure if the fuel selector was in the detent for the selected tank and he did not have time to check prior to landing.'

On June 3, 2000, at 1500 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260 airplane, N3869W, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power at the Clinton Municipal Airport, near Clinton, Oklahoma. The private pilot, who was the registered owner and operator of the airplane, and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the Clinton Municipal Airport.

According to the FAA inspector, the airplane was turning from the "base leg to short final" for runway 17 when the engine lost total power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane touched down in a field short of the runway and impacted a dirt terrace. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop upright. Following the accident, the pilot reported that, "he was not sure if the fuel selector was in the detent for the selected tank and he did not have time to check prior to landing."

The FAA inspector reported that the engine firewall was structurally damaged, and both wings were compromised at their respective attaching points to the fuselage. There was also damage to the "structure at the main landing gear attach points."

This damage was initially reported to the NTSB as minor. Subsequently, on October 3, 2000, the damage was reported as substantial. Additionally, multiple attempts to obtain a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, from the pilot/owner were unsuccessful.