What happened
The pilot parked the Cessna 185 with the right wing over a dock, setting the fuel selector valve to the 'LEFT' position to prevent cross-feeding while on the water. After requesting that a lineman fill the right wing, the pilot noted that the right tank gauge read full and the left tank gauge indicated between 5 and 10 gallons upon departure. The pilot performed a standard 'GUMPS' check prior to takeoff.
After approximately 45 minutes of flight, which included one water landing and takeoff, the engine failed while the aircraft was climbing through 800 feet MSL toward rising terrain. The pilot attempted to use the electric fuel pump, but the engine did not restart. Upon noticing the fuel selector valve was in the 'LEFT' position, the pilot moved the valve to 'BOTH' and turned the airplane 180 degrees toward lower terrain. However, the engine failed to restart, and the aircraft struck trees and marshy terrain.
The investigation
The investigation found fuel remaining in the right wing tank, but no fuel in the left wing tank. Only one teaspoon of fuel was found within the intact fuel lines leading to the engine. Based on a cruise power setting of 2,300 rpm and 23 inches of manifold pressure, the charted fuel consumption for a 45-minute flight is 9.4 gallons.
While the pilot suggested that a rear-seat passenger might have kicked the fuel selector valve to the 'LEFT' position, physical testing refuted this. An NTSB investigator, an FAA coordinator, and a company representative sat in the rear seat of a representative Cessna 185 and attempted to move the valve with their feet; none could move the valve more than 1 inch (12 degrees) left of the 'BOTH' position.
Findings
- The pilot's pre-takeoff checklist required the fuel selector valve to be in the 'BOTH' position and for fuel quantities to be checked.
- The company stated that the pilot did not remember placing the fuel valve in the 'LEFT' position during the fueling process.