Pilot Debrief

Mooney M20C near Bolingbrook, IL — 2008-09-17

Final reportCHI08CA283
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Date
2008-09-17
Location
Bolingbrook, IL, USA
Airport
1C5
Aircraft
Mooney M20C
Registration
N5651Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The non-mechanical loss of engine power due to the pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector prior to takeoff and the subsequent fuel starvation during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he performed a "runup" and switched the fuel tank selector to the fullest tank prior to takeoff on a cross-country flight. During takeoff the pilot retracted the landing gear, climbed to about 300 feet above ground level, and then encountered a loss of engine power. He stated that he banked left to avoid housing and landed the airplane at an intersection with stopped traffic. An airframe and powerplant mechanic that assisted the first responders stated that he found the fuel selector switch in the four o'clock position between the three o'clock right hand tank position and the six o'clock off position. An on-scene examination of the airplane revealed no other preimpact anomalies.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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