Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 140 near American Falls, ID — 2023-05-20

Final reportWPR23LA193
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Date
2023-05-20
Location
American Falls, ID, USA
Airport
U01
Aircraft
CESSNA 140
Registration
N77J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent selection of the off position of the fuel tank selector inflight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot the engine lost all power immediately after switching fuel tanks during initial climb. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, which resulted in the airplane nosing over and substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot told investigators that she may have inadvertently moved the fuel selector to the OFF position and that she observed the fuel selector in the OFF position following the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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