Pilot Debrief

CUB CRAFTERS PA18 150 near Beggs, OK — 2018-03-21

Final reportCEN18LA125
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Date
2018-03-21
Location
Beggs, OK, USA
Airport
51OK
Aircraft
CUB CRAFTERS PA18 150
Registration
N226JK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that the takeoff was uneventful until the airplane reached about 50 ft above ground level and the engine experienced a total loss of power. The engine regained power momentarily, then lost power again. The pilot performed a forced landing during which the airplane impacted a ditch. The pilot reported that fuel selector may not have been secured in the "both" position detent at the time of the takeoff, and as a result, the engine may have lost power due to fuel starvation. A postrecovery examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Ensuring fuel selector was fully in the both position before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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