# NTSB MIA94LA046: Piper PA-32R-301, N8331U, Live Oak, FL, January 4, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1994, 08:36 local (13:36 UTC)
- Place: Live Oak, FL
- Coordinates: 30.270675, -83.040077 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2707&lon=-83.0401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37475
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37475/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA046

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER USE OF THE FUEL SELECTOR BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND BY SWITCHING TO AN EMPTY FUEL TANK. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SWITCH BACK TO A TANK WITH FUEL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT AND SWITCHED FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT. HE ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING TO AN AIRPORT BELOW HIM, AND WHEN HE LOWERED THE LANDING GEAR THE DESCENT RATE INCREASED AND HE CRASHED SHORT OF THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT STATED HE NEVER ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH BACK TO THE LEFT FUEL TANK AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THE LEFT FUEL TANK HAD ABOUT 20 GALLONS OF FUEL AND THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY.

## Factual narrative

On January 4, 1994, about 0836 eastern standard time, N8331U, a Piper PA-32R-310 registered to and operated by the pilot Sirois Barker crashed in Live Oak, Florida, while on a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed for the flight from Lakeland, Florida, to Valdosta, Georgia. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot, the sole occupant, reported minor injuries. The flight originated from Lakeland, Florida, about 45 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that he switched from the left to the right tank and the engine sputtered and failed. He did not switch back to the left tank and attempted a forced landing to Live Oak Airport. When he lowered the landing gear his descent rate increased and he crashed short of the airport.

Examination of the airplane by FAA personnel after the accident revealed the left tank had about 20 gallons of fuel and the right tank was empty.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8331U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8331U), registered now, S/N 32R-8129037 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER 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: 8129037
- Airframe hours: 2723
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-5A1D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Barker, Sirios C.
- Registered owner: Barker, Siros C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 27, 1993, 17 hours before
- Departed: LAL, LAKELAND, FL
- Destination: VLD, VALDOSTA, GA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,550 total, 1,250 in this make and model, 1,450 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: THL, 27 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 19940104000159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940104000159A), Jan 4, 1994: Piper PA32R301, Live Oak, FL, Substantial damage. Engine failed switching from left to right tank. Did not switch back. Tried for 24J landed short. Right tank empty

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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