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Fuel Selector Mispositioning Precedes Engine Power Loss and Crash (N4654G)

Ridgefield, CT, US

On November 2, 2000, a Cessna 172N (registration N4654G) was involved in an aviation accident near Ridgefield, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fuel selector was positioned approximately 35 degrees counterclockwise from the 'both' tanks position, towards the 'left' tank position, resulting in restricted fuel flow and subsequent loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the engine experienced roughness and lost power. The pilot could not verify fuel selector position. The airplane struck trees, crashed, and burned. Examination found the selector 35 degrees from the 'both' position, restricting fuel flow.

Background

Before takeoff, the pilot moved the airplane's fuel selector from the "right" tank position to the "both" tanks position.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb, the engine momentarily ran rough and then lost power. The pilot initiated the emergency checklist for loss of engine power, confirming that the mixture and throttle controls were fully forward. However, she then needed both hands to maintain the glide attitude and was unable to check the fuel selector's position. The airplane subsequently struck trees, fell to the ground, and a post-crash fire ensued. The fire consumed most of the airplane.

Examination Findings

A complete teardown of the engine found no pre-impact mechanical failures. Examination of the fuel selector revealed that it was positioned approximately 35 degrees counterclockwise from the "both" tanks position, toward the "left" tank position. This misalignment would have resulted in restricted fuel flow to the engine.

Probable cause

The fuel selector was positioned approximately 35 degrees counterclockwise from the 'both' tanks position, towards the 'left' tank position, resulting in restricted fuel flow and subsequent loss of engine power.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Nov 2000 Cessna 172N accident near Ridgefield, CT?

During initial climb, the engine experienced roughness and lost power. The pilot could not verify fuel selector position. The airplane struck trees, crashed, and burned. Examination found the selector 35 degrees from the 'both' position, restricting fuel flow.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Nov 2000 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4654G, at Ridgefield, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The fuel selector was positioned approximately 35 degrees counterclockwise from the 'both' tanks position, towards the 'left' tank position, resulting in restricted fuel flow and subsequent loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22327. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.