On April 25, 1997, a Cessna 140 (registration N2351V) was involved in an aviation accident near Clearwater, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine power loss was caused by the depletion of fuel in the active tank due to the fuel selector being set to the empty left main tank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced engine power loss while climbing through 400 feet following a touch-and-go landing, resulting in an aircraft impact between two parallel taxiways.
What happened
Following the completion of a touch-and-go landing, the pilot was climbing through 400 feet when the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. In response to the power loss, the pilot initiated a left turn and attempted to return to the airport to perform an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the airplane collided with the ground in the area located between two parallel taxiways.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that there was no fuel remaining in the left main fuel tank. However, a substantial amount of fuel was recovered from the right main fuel tank. An initial inspection of the cockpit area showed that the fuel selector was set to the left tank. A subsequent examination of the airframe did not reveal any mechanical problems.
Probable cause
The engine power loss was caused by the depletion of fuel in the active tank due to the fuel selector being set to the empty left main tank.