Pilot Debrief

HENRY STEVEN J JUST ACFT SUPERSTOL near Murphy, ID — 2014-10-28

Final reportWPR15LA029
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Date
2014-10-28
Location
Murphy, ID, USA
Airport
1U3
Aircraft
HENRY STEVEN J JUST ACFT SUPERSTOL
Registration
N682SC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly manage the fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, during takeoff, at an altitude about 100-200 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot checked the fuel pumps and lowered the nose to initiate a forced landing on a dirt road next to the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence and nosed over. After the airplane was recovered, the pilot reported that the fuel selector was set to an empty fuel tank. The loss of engine power was likely due to fuel starvation. The pilot further stated that he observed no mechanical deficiencies during his postaccident repairs of the airframe and engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel selector before takeoff to avoid power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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