On August 28, 1994, a Cessna 320B (registration N9833L) operated by Knoll, Ronald K. was involved in an aviation accident near Hood River, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to insure that the fuel selector was in the proper position which resulted in fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported left engine partial power loss during takeoff and after becoming airborne, leading to yaw, altitude loss, and impact with terrain. Post-crash inspection revealed left fuel selector positioned in the 'off' quadrant.
Pilot Report
According to a written statement by the pilot, the engine start and run-up were normal. During the takeoff ground run, the left engine momentarily experienced a partial loss of power and then regained full power. The pilot continued the takeoff. Immediately after the airplane became airborne, the left engine again experienced a partial loss of power. The airplane yawed to the left, began to lose altitude and airspeed, and then began an uncommanded roll to the left.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reduced both throttles to idle as the aircraft descended into a pear orchard. The aircraft impacted the ground in a nose down 'semi-level' attitude.
Post-Crash Inspection
During the post-crash inspection, the left fuel selector was found positioned in the 'off' quadrant, about half-way between the center of the quadrant and the edge of the 'left main' quadrant. The right fuel selector was positioned in the 'right main' quadrant.