What happened
During the initial climb phase of takeoff, the aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of engine power while climbing to an altitude of approximately 40 feet above ground level. The pilot reported maintaining a straight-ahead flight path and managed to touch down at the very end of the runway. Despite this controlled landing attempt, the aircraft possessed sufficient momentum to continue its trajectory beyond the paved surface. It entered an adjacent field covered in weeds before colliding with a steel fence post located off the departure end of the runway.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed critical discrepancies between the visual fuel levels and the cockpit indicators. When visually inspected, the left main tank and the right auxiliary tank were found to be approximately one inch below full capacity, despite their indicators showing them as full. The left auxiliary tank was observed to be half full, whereas its indicator read empty. Furthermore, the right main tank was completely empty, yet the indicator displayed a reading of one-eighth of a tank.
The fuel selector switch was discovered in the left main position at the time of impact. However, the pilot stated that he had switched tanks after the engine lost power but could not recall which specific tank was selected for takeoff. These findings suggest a potential failure in the fuel quantity indication system or improper fuel management during pre-flight checks.
Findings
The investigation highlighted several contributing factors related to fuel system reliability and pilot awareness. The primary issue was the fuel exhaustion resulting from the engine drawing from an empty tank. The discrepancy between the actual fuel quantity and the indicator readings compromised the pilot's ability to make informed decisions regarding fuel availability. Additionally, the pilot's inability to remember the initial fuel tank selection further complicated the assessment of pre-accident conditions.
Safety message
Pilots are reminded to rely on multiple methods for verifying fuel quantities, including visual checks and weight calculations, rather than depending solely on instrument indicators. Regular calibration and maintenance of fuel quantity sensors are essential to prevent such discrepancies. Furthermore, maintaining clear mental or written records of fuel tank selections during pre-flight procedures can aid in troubleshooting power loss events.