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Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss During Takeoff Climb (N2001N)

Houlton, ME, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a total engine power loss at 300 feet during a second takeoff climb. The aircraft made a forced landing after fuel selector changes failed to restore power. Wreckage examination found fuel in the left tank.

Incident Overview and Pilot Report The pilot stated that the aircraft departed with 7 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 8 gallons in the right tank. After conducting a local flight for approximately one hour, the pilot returned to the airport to practice landings. During the second initial takeoff climb, at an altitude of about 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restore power by switching the fuel selector from the left to the right fuel tank, but the engine did not respond. Consequently, the pilot performed a forced landing. Wreckage Examination and Fuel Findings Examination of the wreckage revealed approximately 2 to 3 gallons of fuel remaining in the left tank. The amount of fuel in the right tank was undetermined. Operational Guidelines According to the Cessna 140 Operations Manual, the total fuel capacity for each wing is 12-1/2 gallons. The manual includes a specific operational instruction stating, 'Do not take off on less than 1/4 tank.'

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

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Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05662. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.