On April 2, 1995, a Piper J3-C65 (registration N70234) was involved in an aviation accident near Bayport, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel selector valve was in the OFF position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff climb, the airplane's engine lost total power. The airplane struck a fuel truck and brick hangar while maneuvering back to the runway. Postaccident examination revealed the fuel selector valve was in the OFF position.
Event
During takeoff climb, the airplane's engine lost total power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane back toward the departed runway. While doing so, the airplane struck a fuel truck and a brick hangar.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the fuel selector valve was in the OFF position. Fuel was found in the engine's gascolator and fuel lines. The airplane's three fuel tanks were breached during the accident. No other airframe or engine anomalies were noted.
Witness Observations
Witnesses at the airport stated that they saw the pilot "top off" the airplane prior to the accident flight.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…