On August 9, 1994, a Cessna 182P (registration N20818) operated by Cryder, Donald S. was involved in an aviation accident near Nampa, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently moved the fuel selector valve to the 'OFF' position instead of the 'BOTH' position, leading to fuel starvation and engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot inadvertently moved the fuel selector to 'OFF' instead of 'BOTH', causing engine failure during a night approach. The airplane struck a power line during the subsequent forced landing. No pre-impact mechanical issues were found.
Incident Details
The incident occurred during a night approach when the pilot-in-command (PIC) intended to switch the fuel selector from the 'RIGHT TANK' position to the 'BOTH TANK' position. Instead, the selector was turned to the 'OFF' position.
Pilot Actions
The PIC did not visually verify the position of the fuel selector after moving it. During the forced landing that followed, he also did not re-check the selector as specified in the airplane's published emergency procedure checklist.
The engine subsequently quit due to fuel starvation. The airplane then struck a power line during the forced landing attempt.
Investigation Findings
No pre-impact mechanical malfunctions were found with the airplane. The engine failure was consistent with fuel starvation caused by the selector being in the 'OFF' position.
Probable cause
The pilot inadvertently moved the fuel selector valve to the 'OFF' position instead of the 'BOTH' position, leading to fuel starvation and engine failure.
What happened in the 9 Aug 1994 Cessna 182P accident near Nampa, ID?
A pilot inadvertently moved the fuel selector to 'OFF' instead of 'BOTH', causing engine failure during a night approach. The airplane struck a power line during the subsequent forced landing. No pre-impact mechanical issues were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Aug 1994 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N20818, operated by Cryder, Donald S., at Nampa, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot inadvertently moved the fuel selector valve to the 'OFF' position instead of the 'BOTH' position, leading to fuel starvation and engine failure.
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