# NTSB NYC97LA167: Piper PA-28-181, N8262K, Brickerville, PA, August 19, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 19, 1997, 19:40 local (23:40 UTC) - Place: Brickerville, PA - Coordinates: 40.149967, -76.299346 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1500&lon=-76.2993&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 1, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39422 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC97LA167 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39422/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA167 ## Probable cause Fuel starvation as a result of the pilot performing a takeoff with the fuel selector in the 'OFF' position. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause) - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff ## Analysis Shortly after departure, the pilot noticed a rise in engine oil and cylinder head temperature. As the pilot turned back toward the airport for landing, he experienced a loss of oil pressure, followed by a loss of partial engine power. The pilot performed a precautionary landing to a field. He shut the engine down, inspected it, and found no discrepancies. Several minutes later, the pilot restarted the engine, and having observed all engine instruments in the green, performed a takeoff. During the initial climb, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing in a corn field. Examination of the wreckage revealed the fuel selector valve in the 'OFF' position and that fuel lines from the lowest points of the fuel system, and the carburetor bowl were observed to contain only a few drops of fuel. There was no evidence of pre impact mechanical malfunction to the airplane. ## Factual narrative On August 19, 1997, about 1940 Eastern Daylight Time, a Piper PA-28-181, N8262K, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a takeoff from a cornfield near Brickerville, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that originated at the Lancaster Airport (LNS), Lancaster, Pennsylvania. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that shortly after departing Lancaster, he observed the oil temperature rise into "the red zone". He also observed a rise in the cylinder head temperature. The pilot performed a 180 degree turn back to LNS. Approximately 5 miles west of LNS, the pilot experienced a loss of oil pressure and a loss of partial engine power. He requested permission to land at LNS. Shortly thereafter, the pilot announced his intentions and performed a precautionary landing to a field. The pilot inspected the engine after shutdown, and observed full oil and no fluid leaks. Several minutes later, the pilot restarted the engine and observed all engine instruments indicated in the green. The pilot took off and experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb. The pilot said he heard the stall warning horn during the subsequent forced landing. He stated that prior to departure from the field, "...the fuel was on with full tanks, also [fuel] pump was still on." Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector revealed that the fuel selector valve was selected to the "OFF" position. The radios and electrical power were in the "ON" positions, and the throttle and mixture control levers were in the full forward positions. Fuel lines from the lowest points of the fuel system, and the carburetor bowl, were drained. A few drops of fuel were observed. When electrical power was applied to the airplane, the fuel gauges indicated full. Fuel samples from both fuel tanks were free of contamination. Further inspection by the FAA Inspector revealed that the engine had an appearance of being well maintained. The engine oil was at full capacity, and clean. During the inspection, the fuel selector was rotated to the "ON" position, and the electric fuel pump was activated, the engine started instantly. No evidence of pre impact malfunction was found during the wreckage examination. The pilot reported 330 hours of total flight experience, of which 55 hours were in make and model. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8262K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8262K), registered now, S/N 28-8290165, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-181 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-8290165 - Airframe hours: 1247 - Engines: Lycoming 0360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Ronald Gilmer - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 4, 1997, 1,247 hours before - Departed: LNS, LANCASTER, PA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 327 total, 55 in this make and model, 268 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 10 knots - Visibility: 30 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: LNS, 5 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 19970819023059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970819023059A), Aug 19, 1997: Piper PA28181, Brickerville, PA, Substantial damage. Aircraft made emergency landing in a field after reporting oil problem. Failed attempte for takeoff, crashed. (.4)on August 19, 1997, at 1940 hours, a Piper… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.