# NTSB MIA87LA075: Piper PA-32-260, N3743W, Ft.Lauderdale, FL, January 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 17, 1987, 11:39 local (16:39 UTC)
- Place: Ft.Lauderdale, FL
- Coordinates: 26.190883, -80.170799 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1909&lon=-80.1708&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31849
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87LA075
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31849/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA075

## 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 - base turn
  - fuel system,tank - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - open field (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPOSITIONED THE FUEL SELECTOR FROM THE LEFT TIP TANK TO THE RIGHT MAIN TANK WHEN THE FLT ENTERED THE TRAFFIC PATTERN. THE ENG THEN QUIT & A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN AN OPEN FIELD. UPON TOUCHDOWN THE LEFT & RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR WERE PUSHED THROUGH THE WINGS AND THE ACFT SLID TO A STOP. ACCORDING TO FIRE RESCUE PERSONNEL THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT TANK WHICH DID NOT CONTAIN ENOUGH FUEL TO SUSTAIN ENG OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3743W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3743W-2013-07-15), registration cancelled 2013-07-15, S/N 32-657, 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: 32-657
- Airframe hours: 1950
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles H. Graham-Perkins
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NAS, NASSAU, OF
- Destination: FXE, FT.LAUDERDALE, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 598 total, 20 in this make and model, 95 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FXE, 2 nm away

## 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 19870117000669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870117000669A), Jan 17, 1987: Piper PA32260, Ft Lauderdale, FL, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel starvation in the pattern. The pilot switched the fuel selector to an empty tank.

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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