Pilot Debrief

NAVION NAVION B near Red Oak, NC — 2011-06-23

Final reportERA11LA359
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Date
2011-06-23
Location
Red Oak, NC, USA
Airport
19NC
Aircraft
NAVION NAVION B
Registration
N75394
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent movement of the fuel tank selector handle to the off position, resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the engine stopped momentarily, recovered, and lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a wooded area and the airplane sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not disclose any evidence of a mechanical malfunction. There was adequate fuel on board for the flight. The floor-mounted tank selector handle was found near the off position. It is likely that the pilot inadvertently moved the tank selector handle to the off position prior to the loss of engine power. The pilot had no recollection of the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel selector position before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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