Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182P near Bridgeport, TX — 2016-11-23

Final reportCEN17LA044
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Date
2016-11-23
Location
Bridgeport, TX, USA
Airport
XBP
Aircraft
CESSNA 182P
Registration
N7392Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly position the fuel selector before takeoff, which resulted a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the takeoff was "normal" until about 200 ft above ground level, when the engine "suddenly stopped completely." Her efforts to restore engine power were not successful, and she executed a forced landing straight ahead. The airplane touched down "hard" in a pasture off the end of the runway and impacted a row of trees before coming to a stop. A witness that responded to the accident site stated that the fuel selector was in the off position. A responding law enforcement officer stated that both the pilot and passenger independently informed him that they believed the fuel selector was in the "wrong" position during takeoff. A postrecovery examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction; therefore, it is likely that the engine experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Resetting the fuel selector before takeoff after refueling.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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