What happened
A solo commercial certificated pilot was operating a float-equipped DHC-2 departing from a remote lake. This flight marked the pilot's first time being assigned to this specific aircraft. During the takeoff sequence, the pilot placed the main fuel valve in the "up" position, under the mistaken belief that this action selected the center fuel tank.
As the aircraft climbed to approximately 30 feet above the water surface, the engine suffered a total loss of power. The aircraft subsequently descended and struck a gravel-covered road located at the departure end of the lake. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, and the pilot was not injured.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed that when the fuel valve was moved to the "up" position, it inadvertently selected the off position. The pilot noted that the fuel selector valve configuration on this particular aircraft differed from other DHC-2 models he had previously operated.