Accident Description
During the initial climb after takeoff, approximately 60 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot initiated an emergency descent and landing. During the descent, the pilot reported switching the fuel selector valve from one tank to the other. As the airplane rolled during landing, engine power suddenly returned. The right main landing gear tire struck a runway edge light fixture, resulting in the collapse of the right main gear. The propeller and the right wing lift strut were damaged.
Maintenance History
Recent maintenance had included the removal of the fuel selector valve for lubrication and inspection. The mechanic reported noticing that the fuel valve shaft did not have an index shape to properly match the selector handle position. Consequently, the mechanic was careful to reinstall the handle on the valve in the same orientation as it was found. After reinstalling the valve, the mechanic performed an engine run of about 10 minutes. The pilot additionally ran the engine for approximately 10 minutes before departure.
The fuel selector handle is attached to the valve shaft by a screw and can be rotated 360 degrees. The handle incorporates an arrow that provides visual reference for fuel tank selection, intended to match placard markings on a metal trim panel.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane was conducted at a recovery facility by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel 18 days after the accident. Prior to the examination, the fuel valve handle and trim panel had been removed by recovery personnel but were reportedly replaced in the position found before recovery.
The FAA examination revealed that the selector handle was installed with the arrow oriented 90 degrees counterclockwise from its proper valve orientation. As a result, when the fuel selector handle was placed on the left tank position, the valve was actually positioned to the right tank. When the handle was placed on the right tank position, the valve was actually positioned to an "off" position.
The pilot initially reported that the fuel selector handle was positioned on the left tank during takeoff. However, when questioned later about the fuel selector handle position, he stated he could not be certain that the handle was on the left fuel tank. No further examination of the airframe fuel system or the engine was performed.