Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Talkeetna, AK — 2022-03-20

Final reportANC22LA024
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Date
2022-03-20
Location
Talkeetna, AK, USA
Airport
TKA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N6332D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel selector during takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after takeoff when the airplane was about 150 to 200 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing in a snow covered field, during which the airplane nosed over, causing substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector was in the left fuel tank position. The left fuel tank contained about 3 gallons of fuel, 1.5 gallons of which was usable. The Cessna Pilot’s Operating Handbook required the fuel selector handle to be in the “both” position for takeoffs and landings. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the engine. Given the fuel selector position, which was not consistent with takeoff procedures, and the limited fuel in the left tank, it is likely that the fuel in the left tank unported or had depleted to a level that resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have set fuel selector to 'both' before takeoff as required.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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