PA-28R Cherokee Arrow All Series
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 575; Flight Crew Type 250
Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft; Human Factors
While enroute with flight following; I turned on the auxiliary fuel pump. I switched tanks; and turned off what I thought was the fuel pump. I experienced a loss of power to the fuel gauges and made note of the time. I calculated that I had plenty of fuel and continued toward my destination. I assumed that the recent fuel tank repair was the cause of the current problem and checked the fuses; which were okay. At that time; I realized that I was without radios and activated my hand held radio. I contacted approach and told them that I was proceeding to HAF. I requested that approach contact HAF to facilitate visual confirmation of my gear being down. Approach informed me that due to the lack of tower at HAF that SQL would be able to confirm my gear down. I was aware that the master switch could be in the off position but I did not want to add to the already problematic situation by cycling it. I agreed with Approach that proceeding to SQL was appropriate and proceeded there. Approach tried to direct me to another frequency but I was unable to change the frequency and I requested to stay with them. They asked if I was using my PIC final authority for an emergency and I felt that they were requiring me to do so in order to continue helping me. So to fully cooperate I declared one. I then requested a change to PAO for the landing due to my familiarity with its larger open spaces. I landed at PAO and discovered that when I changed tanks I mistakenly turned off the master instead of the fuel pump. I have now practiced with the emergency backup radio and can change frequencies.
PA-28 pilot reported mistakenly turning off the Master Switch while selecting fuel tank.