On February 25, 1997, a Beech A36 (registration N18DR) was involved in an aviation accident near Matherville, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of engine as a result of the pilot-in-command's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector. A factor was the rough terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an engine-out emergency, the pilot rapidly completed the checklist and continued forced landing. At 1000 feet AGL, the CFI attempted a go-around, but the engine did not recover from idle. The pilot landed gear-up in a rough field; postcrash investigation found the fuel selector in the 'Off' position.
Emergency Procedure
During an engine-out emergency procedure, the pilot completed the checklist rapidly and continued to execute the forced-landing procedure. In his written statement, the pilot contested that he 'looking down, changed right to left tanks.'
Go-Around Attempt
At 1000 feet above ground level (AGL), the certified flight instructor (CFI) elected to discontinue the maneuver and proceeded with a go-around. However, the engine did not recover from the idle position.
Forced Landing
The pilot continued with the forced landing and proceeded to land the airplane in a rough field with the landing gear retracted (gear-up configuration).
Postcrash Investigation
Postcrash investigation showed that the fuel selector was set in the 'Off' position.