# NTSB MIA92LA162: Piper PA-32-260, N3544W, Randleman, NC, August 12, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1992, 17:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Randleman, NC
- Coordinates: 35.809513, -79.799789 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8095&lon=-79.7998&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33120
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92LA162
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33120/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA162

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO SWITCH THE FUEL SELECTOR TO A TANK WITH FUEL, AFTER THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO FUEL STARVATION.

## 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
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT DEPARTED WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR IN THE LEFT POSITION, AND WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED HE DID NOT SWITCH THE SELECTOR TO THE RIGHT TANK. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE LEFT TANK WAS FOUND EMPTY AND THE RIGHT TANK HAD FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3544W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3544W-1995-09-26), registration cancelled 1995-09-26, S/N 32431 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-431
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Roger Medlin
- Registered owner: High Place Ministries Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 1900
- Departed: EXX, LEXINGTON, NC
- Destination: BUY, BURLINGTON, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 230 total, 48 in this make and model, 58 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSO, 21 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 19920812031209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920812031209A), Aug 12, 1992: Piper PA32260, Randleman, NC, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Slid into trees on forced landing. No traction due wet grass. Fuel selector on 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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