Piper PA-28-140 | N1039X

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the CFI allowed the student in the left seat to change the fuel tank selector in flight from right tank to left tank. The valve was found to be in a position between left and off, preventing the flowage of fuel in flight, and preventing the passage of pressurized air during post accident testing. The CFI became distracted by the surprise loss of thrust and allowed the aircraft to both turn and lose speed, whereupon the aircraft entered an aerodynamic stall and spin at an altitude such that recovery was not possible.

Probable Cause issued 9/8/2026 – 27 months after the accident: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering for a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s or flight instructor’s inadvertent positioning of the fuel selector valve between the Left Tank and Off positions, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Also contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate fuel monitoring.

The DTSB recommends that all instructors of all aircraft both brief and rehearse fuel tank and valve operation with students prior to flight to assure that the selector can be positively secured in the proper position in flight. The DTSB recomends that all instructors review fuel tank selector mechanics and how valves should be properly seated firmly in each position. The DTSB recommends that all CFI’s be able to conduct the 6 immediate action items from the right seat in the Piper Cherokee 140 series without student assistance. The DTSB recommends that all instructors become aware of the dangers of becoming easily distracted during abnormal scenarios and to lower the nose, and fly the airplane first. Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.