Pilot Debrief

Beech 19 near Somerville, TN — 2019-10-09

Final reportGAA20CA042
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Date
2019-10-09
Location
Somerville, TN, USA
Airport
FYE
Aircraft
Beech 19
Registration
N2177W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to move the fuel selector position to the "on" position before takeoff, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and necessitated a forced landing to a field shortly after takeoff, and his subsequent improper decision to take off from unsuitable terrain, which resulted in collision with an embankment and a postcrash fire.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the engine "shut down" due to the fuel selector being in the "off" position. Subsequently, he made a forced landing to a field adjacent to the runway. He moved the fuel selector to the "on" position and then initiated a soft-field takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane collided with an embankment, and it momentarily ascended before landing hard and then coming to rest upright. The nose landing gear separated from the airplane, and the fuel tanks ruptured. A fire ensued, which consumed the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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