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Casualties unknown

Pilot Selects Empty Fuel Tank on Takeoff, Aircraft Noses Over (N2785N)

Hart, MI, US

On July 22, 1985, a Cessna 120 (registration N2785N) operated by Richard A.hatfield was involved in an aviation accident near Hart, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to visually check the fuel supply and selection of an empty tank for takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

During a cross-country flight return, the pilot failed to visually inspect fuel levels and selected an empty tank for takeoff. The engine stopped immediately after liftoff, forcing an emergency landing attempt that resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

What happened

The incident occurred during the return leg of a cross-country flight. Prior to takeoff, the pilot failed to perform a visual inspection of the fuel supply. Consequently, the pilot selected an empty fuel tank for the departure.

Upon liftoff, the engine stopped due to fuel starvation. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining 300 feet of runway available. After touchdown, the aircraft veered off the paved surface into soft soil and nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted position.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the pre-flight actions taken by the pilot. Examination of the event timeline confirmed that no visual check of the fuel quantity was conducted before engine start or takeoff roll.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to visually check the fuel supply and selection of an empty tank for takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 1985 Cessna 120 accident near Hart, MI?

During a cross-country flight return, the pilot failed to visually inspect fuel levels and selected an empty tank for takeoff. The engine stopped immediately after liftoff, forcing an emergency landing attempt that resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna 120, registration N2785N, operated by Richard A.hatfield, at Hart, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to visually check the fuel supply and selection of an empty tank for takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37058. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.