PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 850; Flight Crew Type 800
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Aircraft
We transitioned back to our home airport via a transition through Class C. A couple minutes after; [Tower] transitioned us to Approach for flight following we switched our fuel tanks. We followed procedures and switched tanks by turning on the fuel pump; checking fuel pressure; switching the fuel selector; checking pressure; then turning the pump off.A few seconds after the pump was switched off we had an immediate loss of power. Tried to remedy by reversing the process; pump on; switch tanks while pitching for best glide. No restart and engine continued to lose all power. Tried a flow and checked anything that may lead to a fuel starvation issue. In the pitch black I found a well lighted area that was relatively free of ground traffic. It was a warehouse trucking lot. Was able to maneuver the aircraft between stacked shipping containers as to not hit them. Cleared the wing by 5-10 ft. and performed a normal landing. Came to a stop and contacted Approach to let them know I was safe. No damage to the aircraft; no souls were harmed.  [Notified ATC of the problem] roughly 1;000 ft. AGL. Cause is yet to be found; but I suspect something in the fuel line or contaminants in the fuel that reached the carburetor.
PA-28 Instructor Pilot reported safely landing in a parking lot following engine failure related to a fuel issue.