What happened
During a positioning flight destined for La Grande-4 Airport, a solo pilot experienced a critical engine failure while cruising at a low altitude. The incident began when the pilot adjusted the fuel selector valve. Approximately five minutes following this adjustment, the engine ceased operation.
In an effort to reach the ground safely, the pilot attempted an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a group of trees and crashed approximately 22 km north of La Grande. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe. Despite the intensity of the post-crash fire, the pilot managed to exit the wreckage and sustained no injuries.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred shortly after the pilot modified the position of the fuel selector.