Engine Failure During Go-Around After Fuel Selector Misplacement (N53060)

Incident Overview

During final approach, the pilot switched the fuel selector from what he believed was the left tank to the both position. Subsequently, while flaring, he decided to perform a go-around due to a perceived excessive airspeed. As the aircraft climbed, the engine ceased operation at an altitude of 40 ft above ground level (AGL). Efforts to restart the engine were unsuccessful before the aircraft impacted the ground.

Post-Impact Observations

After being extracted from the aircraft, the pilot observed that the fuel selector was in the off position. He then recognized that the selector had originally been set to the right tank and that his earlier action had inadvertently placed it in the off position rather than the intended both position.

Sequence of Events

• The pilot intended to switch the fuel selector from left to both.
• The go-around was initiated during the flare.
• Engine power was lost at 40 ft AGL.
• The engine could not be restarted prior to the impact.
• The fuel selector was found in the off position after the accident.
• The pilot realized that the selector had been on the right tank and he had moved it to off.