What happened
During the takeoff phase, the engine lost power and became quiet. The pilot reported hearing the engine surge multiple times, which was characteristic of an engine running low on fuel. Witnesses at the scene observed the engine pop two or three times and noted a puff of white/bluish smoke emerging from the engine compartment.
Unable to maintain flight, the pilot performed a forced landing. During the descent, the aircraft struck a berm, which caused the landing gear to shear off and resulted in damage to both wings and the fuselage. There were no injuries reported following the accident.
The investigation
An inspection of the engine was conducted, encompassing checks of both the ignition system and the fuel system. Investigators found no mechanical anomalies within these systems. However, the investigation identified that a plastic ridge surrounding the fuel selector valve had been depressed and deformed. This deformation prevented the valve from seating properly in any of its three position detents. The pilot confirmed that at the time the engine failed, he had not visually or physically verified the position of the fuel selector valve.
Findings
- The aircraft was carrying 80 gallons of fuel at the time of the accident.
- A deformed plastic ridge on the fuel selector valve prevented proper valve positioning.
- The pilot failed to verify the setting of the fuel selector valve prior to the engine failure.