On January 29, 1982, a Cessna 172H (registration N5333T) operated by James R. Lambert was involved in an aviation accident near Wentzville, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to switch the fuel selector back to both after balancing the tanks, resulting in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night approach, an aircraft experienced engine power loss due to fuel starvation after the pilot failed to return the fuel selector to 'both' following a balancing procedure. The aircraft landed in a construction area and cornfield, sustaining damage.
Incident Overview
During a cross-country flight, the pilot switched the fuel selector from both tanks to the right tank to balance the fuel. After the tanks were balanced, the pilot did not switch the selector back to both. During the night final approach at the destination, the engine lost power due to fuel starvation, as the fuel selector remained positioned to the right tank.
Sequence of Events
The pilot did not switch to the left tank or both tanks to restart the engine. He was aware of power lines near the runway and focused his full attention on flying the aircraft and locating the power lines. He spotted the power lines on his flight path and maneuvered the aircraft under them.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft was damaged when it landed in a construction area and continued into a corn field. It came to rest approximately 400 feet from the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to switch the fuel selector back to both after balancing the tanks, resulting in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
What happened in the 29 Jan 1982 Cessna 172H accident near Wentzville, MO?
During a night approach, an aircraft experienced engine power loss due to fuel starvation after the pilot failed to return the fuel selector to 'both' following a balancing procedure. The aircraft landed in a construction area and cornfield, sustaining damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jan 1982 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N5333T, operated by James R. Lambert, at Wentzville, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to switch the fuel selector back to both after balancing the tanks, resulting in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
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