On August 28, 1995, a Cessna 140 (registration N3174N) was involved in an aviation accident near Richmond, RI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, and his improper positioning of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a go-around, the pilot experienced an engine power loss. The airplane struck a treetop during the forced landing. Investigation found the left fuel tank empty and the right tank with minimal fuel.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initiated a go-around. While climbing, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing, during which the airplane struck the top of a tree.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank. The left fuel tank was empty, and the right tank contained approximately 5 gallons or less of fuel. The pilot stated that at the time of the engine power loss, the fuel selector was on the left tank. No evidence of fuel leakage was found in the left fuel tank. Examination of the engine did not reveal any discrepancies.
Fuel System Examination
The fuel selector was found set to the left tank, consistent with the pilot's account. The left tank's emptiness and the right tank's limited fuel supply were noted. The absence of leaks suggests the fuel was consumed or otherwise unavailable from the left tank. The engine examination showed no mechanical anomalies that would explain the power loss.