Accident Details
The private pilot had removed the fuel selector valve handle assembly and had the placarded backing panel painted. During reinstallation, the pilot placed the handle and pointer 90 degrees counterclockwise from the correct selector valve position. On the accident flight, the handle was positioned to indicate the right tank position, but the actual valve was in the fuel shutoff position. The engine subsequently starved of fuel and quit. The pilot initiated a forced landing onto wooded terrain and was seriously injured.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the fuel selector valve revealed that it had been improperly inspected by a mechanic, which eliminated the detent function only. The engine fuel primer was found unlocked. Examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any other preimpact mechanical discrepancies.
Pilot Background
The pilot had been denied a medical certificate due to an unexplained history of alcohol abuse. The Federal Aviation Administration revoked the pilot's airman certificate for failure to provide blood test results from blood drawn after the accident.