Incident Overview
A student pilot was conducting a practice instrument approach to an airport. As part of the landing checklist procedure, the student was instructed to switch to the fuel tank containing the most fuel. During this action, the student inadvertently moved the fuel selector to the "off" position, resulting in a loss of engine power.
Instructor's Response
The instructor directed the student to read the emergency checklist. However, the student omitted the checklist item that required placing the fuel selector to the fullest tank. At that point, the student had already performed the switch to the fullest tank prior to the power loss, but the selector was in the off position. Consequently, engine power did not return.
Forced Landing
A forced landing off the airport was executed. After landing, the fuel selector remained in the off position.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed a bend in the fuel selector stop arm. This bend allowed the selector to travel beyond its normal range into the off position, which was not intended during the tank selection process.
Sequence of Events
- The pilot was on a practice instrument approach and completing the landing checklist.
- The checklist procedure included switching to the tank with the most fuel.
- The student inadvertently set the fuel selector to off.
- The engine lost power.
- The instructor directed the student to read the emergency checklist.
- The student omitted the step to set the fuel selector to the fullest tank, as it had already been done.
- The engine did not restart.
- A forced landing occurred off the airport.
- The fuel selector remained off after landing.
- Investigation found a bent fuel selector stop arm enabling the off position.