LAKE BUTLER, FL, USA
N43499
PIPER PA-32-260
AT 0953 EDT, THE PLT DEPARTED ON AN IFR FLT WITH FULL FUEL TANKS. THE LEFT MAIN FUEL TANK WAS USED FOR APRX 1 HR, THEN THE RIGHT MAIN WAS SELECTED. JUST BEFORE STARTING A DESCENT, WHILE STILL USING THE RIGHT MAIN TANK, THE ENG QUIT. THE PLT SWITCHED FUEL TANKS & TRIED TO RESTART THE ENG, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. VFR CONDITIONS WERE ENCOUNTERED AT 1800 FT & A SMALL CLEARING (MOST SUITABLE AREA) WAS SELECTED FOR A LANDING. AS THE PLT UNLOCKED THE CABIN DOOR, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER UNLOCKED HER SEATBELT. THE ACFT WAS HEADING FOR A HOUSE BEYOND THE CLEARING, SO THE PLT DELIBERATELY HIT A TREE WITH THE LEFT WING. THE PASSENGER, WHO UNLOCKED HER SEAT BELT, WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. AN EXAM REVEALED A RUDDER CONNECTOR IN THE RIGHT VENT LINE HAD DETERIORATED & HAD BLOCKED THE VENT & THE RUDDER FLAPPER IN THE VENTED FUEL CAP WASSTUCK. THE MAINT FACILITY, THE OWNER WAS USING, HAD OUTDATED MANUALS WHICH DID NOT CALL FOR REQUIRED INSPECTION OF VENT HOSES. FUEL SELECTOR FOUND ON R MAIN POSITION, PLT UNSURE WHER/HOW LONG SHE POSITIONED SELECTOR DURING ATMTD ENG RESTART
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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