What happened
On 28 June 2021, an Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen, registration G-CLEH, was engaged in a private flight at Rossall Airfield, Lancashire. Following a landing, the pilot intended to perform additional circuits. During the taxiing process, the pilot began configuring the aircraft for the next departure.
As the aircraft prepared for takeoff, the pilot realized that the left fuel tank valve had been closed earlier in the flight to balance fuel levels. In an attempt to rectify this, the pilot reached behind the seat and manipulated a fuel valve handle. However, shortly after the aircraft climbed to approximately 100 ft agl, the engine ceased operation. The pilot subsequently performed an emergency landing in a field. The impact caused the nosewheel to collapse and resulted in damage to the propeller. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system and the pilot's actions leading up to the engine failure. The aircraft is equipped with individual fuel tanks in each wing, controlled by valves located behind the seats at shoulder level.
Upon securing the aircraft following the landing, the pilot discovered that both fuel tank valves were in the closed position. This indicated that the engine was deprived of fuel during the climb phase of the flight.