Aircraft Accident: Engine Power Loss on Final Approach Due to Fuel Selector Mispositioning (N2192W)

Incident Overview and Immediate Response A flight instructor and a private pilot were returning to their home airport following a 1.9-hour instructional flight. During the final approach, the aircraft's engine stopped producing power. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and executed a landing on an embankment located short of the runway. A police officer arrived at the scene approximately one hour after the accident to conduct the initial assessment. ## Fuel System Findings and Investigation The investigation revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, and the fuel selector valve was positioned to the left tank. Physical inspection showed that the left tank was not breached and there were no signs of leakage. In contrast, fuel was observed in the right fuel tank. When investigators repositioned the fuel selector valve to the right fuel tank, fuel flowed freely from the fuel strainer fuel line. Subsequently, eighteen gallons of fuel were drained from the right fuel tank. ## Operational Procedures and Mechanical Status According to the Beechcraft Sundowner C23 Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the fuel selector handle was located on the floorboards between the pilot and copilot seats. The published before landing checklist included item 2, which stated: “Fuel Selector Valve-SELECT TANK MORE NEARLY FULL (feel for detent and check visually).” The investigation noted that no mechanical deficiencies were found with the engine or the fuel system.