the pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector to the 'OFF' position, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power during takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: down-sloping terrain (airstrip) and trees that were encountered during the aborted takeoff.
— NTSB Determination
The pilot reported that just before takeoff, he switched fuel tanks to what he believed was the fullest tank; however, he inadvertently selected the 'OFF' position. During takeoff on down-sloping terrain, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that the airplane had just lifted off at the time of the power loss, and he immediately re-landed. He was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with trees at the end of the runway.
The pilot reported that just before takeoff, he switched fuel tanks to what he believed was the fullest tank; however, he inadvertently selected the 'OFF' position. During takeoff on down-sloping terrain, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that the airplane had just lifted off at the time of the power loss, and…
The accident on 1997-06-07 involved a Piper PA-18-135, registration N27296, at Big Creek, ID.
the pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector to the 'OFF' position, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power during takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: down-sloping terrain (airstrip) and trees that were encountered during the aborted takeoff.
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