Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182Q near Holly Springs, MS — 2011-06-27

Final reportERA11LA370
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Date
2011-06-27
Location
Holly Springs, MS, USA
Airport
M41
Aircraft
CESSNA 182Q
Registration
N759ZS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during takeoff initial climb.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection, he verified that the fuel selector valve was selected to the “BOTH” tanks on position by tactile feel; however, he did not visually verify the actual position of the valve. During departure, about 400 feet above ground level, as the pilot began to make a left turn on course, the engine lost power. The airplane nosed down, and the pilot activated the newly installed ballistic recovery system, which deployed a parachute. The airplane impacted several trees and came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector valve was in the "OFF" position. After the airplane was partially disassembled and recovered from the accident site, a fuel supply was rigged to the right wing fuel line, and the fuel selector was moved to the right tank position. The engine started and operated normally at idle; due to the extent of the damage to the airplane, the throttle was advanced only to 1500 rpm.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not ensure fuel selector was set to 'BOTH' before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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