On April 10, 1990, a Cessna 140 (registration N76918) operated by Thomas P Vayda was involved in an aviation accident near Chico, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL STARVATION DUE TO UNPORTING OF THE FUEL PICK UP IN THE FUEL TANK SELECTED FOR THE TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying a Cessna aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot had approximately six gallons of fuel and was heading to another airport to refuel. The engine sputtered at 100 feet and then quit.
Background
A pilot arrived at an airport for a local flight and discovered that no fuel was available to refuel the aircraft. During the preflight inspection, the pilot visually examined the fuel tanks and found that about six total gallons of fuel remained. The pilot decided to fly to a neighboring airport to obtain fuel.
Flight
After a normal runup, the pilot initiated a takeoff. At approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered once and then quit completely.
Cessna Information
According to Cessna Aircraft, the aircraft fuel tanks have pickup ports located at the lower forward inboard corner. The company stated that there is a prohibition against takeoffs with fuel quantities of less than one-quarter in the tank selected for the maneuver. An engineering representative from Cessna noted that their service history on the aircraft revealed a high number of unporting incidents with fuel quantities of less than one-quarter.