On September 19, 2003, a Maule M-7-235 (registration N5657A) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgrath, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel starvation due to the pilot's improper placement of the fuel selector to a nearly empty fuel tank prior to takeoff, resulting in a loss of engine power, and an in-flight collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot attempting takeoff from an off-airport site in a tailwheel airplane reported inadvertently leaving the fuel selector on a nearly empty tank, leading to engine power loss and collision with trees.
Accident Details
A commercial certificated pilot was attempting to take off from an off-airport location in a tailwheel airplane. During the takeoff roll, the pilot inadvertently left the fuel selector positioned on a fuel tank that was nearly empty. Shortly after lifting off, the engine began to sputter and subsequently lost all power. The airplane then descended into trees.
Damage
The collision with trees resulted in structural damage to the wings and lift struts of the aircraft.
Pilot's Recommendation
In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, when asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot wrote: "Land and takeoff with fuel selector set on BOTH tanks."