Casualties unknown

Fuel Selector Misalignment Causes Power Loss and Forced Landing (N37RV)

Seminole, TX, US

On July 31, 1997, a Bauer VANS RV-4 (registration N37RV) operated by Adrian Guetersloh was involved in an aviation accident near Seminole, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to correctly align the fuel selector valve, resulting in fuel starvation. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that engine power was lost after takeoff when the fuel selector was incorrectly positioned, leading to fuel starvation. The pilot executed a forced landing, striking a power line, road, and fence.

Accident Narrative

The pilot reported that the engine lost power shortly after takeoff while he was switching the fuel selector from the right to the left fuel tank. In moving the fuel selector valve, the pilot failed to align it correctly, which caused fuel starvation to the engine.

Pilot Actions

Upon losing engine power, the pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Due to the airplane's low altitude, a second restart attempt was not possible. The pilot then executed a forced landing onto a road in a residential area.

Collision Sequence

During the forced landing, the airplane struck a power line, impacted the asphalt road, and slid across it before striking a fence.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to correctly align the fuel selector valve, resulting in fuel starvation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08400. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.