# NTSB Accident ATL98LA026
> **Piper PA-22-108** · 1997-12-20 · JACKSONVILLE, NC, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ATL98LA026
- **Event ID:** 20001208X09262
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-12-20
- **Location:** JACKSONVILLE, NC, USA
- **Coordinates:** 34.760921, -77.399452
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-22-108
- **Registration:** N5258Z
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's improper preflight inspection by failing to ensure the fuel selector was properly positioned, which led to fuel starvation, loss of engine power, and a forced landing on rough/uneven terrain.  The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ATL98LA026) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*