Pilot Debrief

MOONEY M20B near Rosamond, CA — 2012-04-15

Final reportWPR12CA166
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Date
2012-04-15
Location
Rosamond, CA, USA
Airport
L100
Aircraft
MOONEY M20B
Registration
N74518
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s selection of an empty fuel tank prior to departure.

NTSB narrative

The engine lost power after takeoff and the pilot landed in a nearby field, where both wings collided with fence posts. The pilot reported that the left fuel tank was about 1/4 full and the right fuel tank was empty. He had the left fuel tank selected during start up and taxi. As he did his pre-takeoff engine run-up checks, he switched fuel tanks per his normal procedure but did not return the selector valve to the left tank prior to departure. Both wings sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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