Piper PA32R accident near Paducah, Kentucky, November 1, 2019

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

The pilot was conducting a visual, straight-in approach for landing when he reported to the tower controller that the airplane had lost engine power. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain short of the runway and was destroyed by impact and a post-impact fire. Examination of the wreckage confirmed flight control continuity and revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies. Examination of the fuel selector revealed that the fuel selector control lever was near the right fuel tank position; however, examination of the fuel selector valve revealed that the selector plate was out of the detent and not fully seated in any tank position. Impact marks on the selector plate showed the detent ball was closest to the left fuel tank and the out-of-position plate occluded the fuel port. The first step of the manufacturer’s approach and landing checklist was, “Fuel Selector – Proper Tank.” Given the lack of other mechanical anomalies found during the examination, it is likely that the pilot moved the fuel selector at some point during the descent and approach, but failed to fully seat the selector in position, and the restricted fuel flow was likely less than what was needed to sustain engine power. Following the loss of engine power, the remaining altitude was insufficient to provide gliding distance to the runway.

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.