Pilot Debrief

Cessna 172 near Meadow Lakes, AK — 2018-07-25

Final reportGAA18CA454
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Date
2018-07-25
Location
Meadow Lakes, AK, USA
Airport
8AK8
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Registration
N171Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s selection of the wrong fuel tank for departure, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, the engine experienced a total loss of power. He added that he realized the wrong fuel tank had been selected for takeoff. He subsequently performed a forced landing on a gravel stream bed north of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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