On April 25, 1996, a Cessna 140 (registration N2001N) was involved in an aviation accident near Houlton, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to select the fullest fuel tank prior to takeoff which resulted in fuel starvation during the initial takeoff climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performing practice landings in a Cessna 140 experienced total engine power loss during a takeoff climb, resulting in a forced landing.
What happened
The pilot departed for a local flight with 7 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 8 gallons in the right tank. After approximately one hour of flight time, the pilot returned to the airport to perform practice landings. During the second initial takeoff climb, at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine suffered a total loss of power. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank, but the engine failed to respond. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the wreckage showed that the left fuel tank contained approximately 2 to 3 gallons of fuel. The amount of fuel remaining in the right tank was undetermined. According to the Cessna 140 Operations Manual, each wing has a total capacity of 12.5 gallons and includes a directive not to take off with less than one-quarter of a tank.