PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 80; Flight Crew Total 2050; Flight Crew Type 25
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; General Declared Emergency
Human Factors; Aircraft
After flight planning at the departure location; I calculated (based upon forecasted winds aloft) returning to base with 10 gallons [of fuel] which gives over 1 hour of orbiting fuel if necessary. However; as I was on approach; with the engine feeding from the right tank; as I was maneuvering for final; the engine lost power. I immediately switched tanks to the left tank. The electric fuel pump was already on so I swapped tanks and monitored the fuel pressure. The pressure rose momentarily and immediately dropped to zero. After informing other aircraft in the pattern; I proceeded to make a dead stick landing and was able to taxi clear of the runway. I could not get the engine to restart and was towed to the refueling location. After I refueled the aircraft to the tabs; the left tank took 13 gallons and the right took 14 gallons. The approximate gallon quantity to the tabs is 17 gallons. I was able to restart the engine and taxied to parking and secured the aircraft.
PA28 pilot reports engine failure during approach due to fuel starvation. A successful dead stick landing ensues.