Accident Details
The accident flight was the first flight of the day, intended to verify the airplane was in working order for glider tow operations. A preflight inspection included visually verifying the fuel selector position, which was found pointing toward the left. The pilot considered the position correct. No discrepancies were noted during startup, run-up, or takeoff roll.
During climb out, the airplane lost engine power. The pilot attempted to slip the airplane down to the runway but stopped the slip to try to make it over the perimeter fence. He placed his hand on the fuel selector and noted it was out of position. He repositioned the fuel selector, the engine quit, and the airplane landed short of the perimeter fence. During the rollout, the airplane contacted trees, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright past the fence.
Pilot Information
The pilot indicated that he had been flying a Cessna 140, which has a similar fuel selector handle but works in the opposite direction. He stated that he had not flown the Super Cub as often during the year and that most of his experience was in the Cessna 140.