On August 23, 1986, a Cessna 175 (registration N9275B) was involved in an aviation accident near Muskegon, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply during takeoff, resulting in engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion from switching tanks. The aircraft flipped over during the emergency landing.
What happened
The accident occurred just prior to the application of takeoff power. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tank. This was the first time the pilot had used fuel from this specific tank, having purchased the aircraft only two weeks earlier. Shortly after breaking ground, the engine quit. Although the pilot attempted to switch back to the right tank, the engine did not recover before an emergency landing was executed. During this landing, the aircraft flipped over onto its back.
The investigation
The Cessna 150 had last been inspected eighteen months prior to the accident. The pilot's student certificate had expired on August 31, 1985. No other mechanical issues were identified that would prevent engine operation if fuel was available.
Findings
The primary factor was fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to ensure adequate fuel supply by switching tanks without verifying the quantity or condition of the fuel in the left tank. The expired student certificate also contributed to the lack of proper oversight and training for this maneuver.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply during takeoff, resulting in engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion.