# NTSB LAX92LA299: Piper PA-32R-301T, N327PL, Shafter, CA, July 16, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1992, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Shafter, CA
- Coordinates: 35.539955, -118.910461 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5400&lon=-118.9105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27688
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA299
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27688/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA299

## Probable cause

THE PIC'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND THE PIC'S AND FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/PASSENGER'S FAILURE TO USE THE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST.  THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - not followed, pilot passenger (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

AFTER APPROXIMATELY FORTY MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT AND WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS 8,000 FEET ABOVE THE TERRAIN, THE ENGINE FAILED AFTER THE PILOT CHANGED THE FUEL SELECTOR FROM THE RIGHT FUEL TANK TO THE LEFT FUEL TANK. THE PILOT AND CFI PASSENGER FAILED TO USE THE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST AND WERE UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN AN APPLE ORCHARD. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY FUEL IN THE LEFT FUEL TANK.  THE ENGINE OPERATED NORMALLY DURING THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N327PL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N327PL), registered now, S/N 32R-8229011, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-301T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-301t) (registry code 7103220) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-8229011
- Airframe hours: 1889
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Barry Zelner Prof. Law Firm
- Registered owner: Barry Zelner Prof. Law Firm
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1992, 20 hours before
- Departed: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA
- Destination: VIS, VISALIA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, expired; flight hours: 500 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920716025739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920716025739A), Jul 16, 1992: Piper PA32R301T, Shafter, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit shortly after switch to left tank. Went back to right. No restart. Crash landed. Why no restart unknown.

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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