Incident Overview
During a flight, the pilot repositioned the engine fuel tank selector to what he believed was the opposite wing tank while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern. On the base leg, all engine power was lost. The pilot subsequently performed an emergency landing, bringing the aircraft to rest approximately 1,800 feet short of the runway's threshold.
Post-Incident Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed the presence of fuel in both wing tanks. The pilot acknowledged that he had mispositioned the fuel selector by inadvertently switching it to the off position.
Key Facts
- The fuel selector was moved during the downwind leg of the traffic pattern.
- Complete engine power loss occurred on the base leg.
- The emergency landing ended 1,800 feet short of the runway threshold.
- Both wing tanks contained fuel.
- The pilot confirmed the fuel selector was inadvertently placed in the off position.