Pilot Debrief

Weber PELICAN near Searcy, AR — 2009-08-26

Final reportCEN09LA551
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Date
2009-08-26
Location
Searcy, AR, USA
Airport
SRC
Aircraft
Weber PELICAN
Registration
N713DW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel selector valve.

NTSB narrative

The pilot took off for a test flight and after climbing approximately 500 feet, and with about 1,000 to 1,500 feet of runway remaining, the engine lost power. The pilot lowered the nose to maintain airspeed and made a forced landing in a field at the end of the runway. Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded a few feet before coming to a stop. Postaccident examination indicated that the fuel selector was in the "OFF" position; the pilot thought it was in the "ON" position. The design of the selector handle was such that the "tail" of the selector handle was in the "OFF" position. A 180-degree twist of the handle would have placed it in the "ON" position.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel selector position before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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