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.