Incident Overview
On January 10, 2021, at approximately 12:35 local time, a Piper Aircraft Inc. PA-18-150 with registration LN-KCH experienced an engine failure shortly after departing from Elverum flyplass Starmoen. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot for a local training flight. Weather conditions were clear with calm winds and a temperature of -11 °C.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the engine stopped twice during pre-flight warm-up, though it eventually stabilized. Carburetor heat was used during the takeoff roll. After reaching an altitude estimated between 150 and 200 feet, the pilot turned off the carburetor heat. Seconds later, the engine stopped abruptly without prior indications of rough running or RPM drop.
The aircraft was still over the runway but approaching the end. The pilot declined to land in the dense forest ahead and instead turned left toward lower vegetation. Despite attempts to restart the engine, they were unsuccessful. The pilot executed a forced landing with high nose attitude to avoid the ski gear catching on bushes. The impact was hard, causing significant damage to the fuselage, undercarriage, and right wing. The pilot evacuated safely from the right side.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed the fuel selector valve was in the closed position. The pilot stated he intended to switch from the left tank (low fuel) to the right tank (full) but likely turned the knob incorrectly. The design of the selector, where the short end indicates position, may have contributed to this error.
Examination of the engine and fuel system showed minimal fuel in the water separator and lines, consistent with a closed valve. Ice found on the carburetor was attributed to snow packing during landing that later melted and refroze. Analysis of atmospheric data indicated low risk for carburetor icing. The Norwegian Safety Authority concluded that no technical fault caused the stop; rather, the engine failed due to fuel starvation resulting from the inadvertently closed fuel selector.