Accident Overview
On November 23, 2016, at approximately 1115 central standard time, a Cessna 182P airplane, registration N7392Q, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing. The accident occurred after a loss of engine power on initial climb following takeoff from runway 36 at Bridgeport Municipal Airport (XBP) in Bridgeport, Texas. The pilot received serious injuries, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight by the pilot, who was also the owner through Skypartners LLC. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was operated on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.
Flight History
The flight originated earlier that morning from Hutchinson Regional Airport (HUT) about 0827, with the intended destination of New Braunfels Regional Airport (BAZ) and a planned fuel stop at XBP. After refueling at XBP, the pilot obtained an IFR clearance to BAZ. During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot reported that the climb was normal until reaching approximately 200 feet above ground level, at which point the engine suddenly and completely stopped. Despite her efforts, she could not restore power and executed a forced landing straight ahead. The airplane impacted the ground hard in a pasture beyond the runway and struck a row of trees before coming to a stop.
Witness and Passenger Accounts
The passenger stated that the takeoff was uneventful and the engine ran smoothly until, shortly after takeoff and near the end of the runway, the engine lost power. The airplane then landed very hard in the grass beyond the runway and collided with trees. A witness observed the airplane first touch down about 1,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway in a field, bounce, touch down again, and then hit a tree. The propeller separated upon impact with the tree. The witness responded to the scene and noted that the fuel selector was in the Off position and that fuel was leaking from the right-wing fuel tank.
Post-Accident Examination
A responding Texas Highway Patrol Trooper reported that both the pilot and passenger independently stated they believed the fuel selector had been in the wrong position during takeoff, as they had stopped for fuel and did not reset the selector before departure. The accident site was located about 500 yards north of the runway 36 departure threshold, according to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. A post-recovery examination of the airplane, conducted by the FAA with assistance from representatives of the airframe and engine manufacturers, revealed no anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure or malfunction.