Accident Details
A float-equipped airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb following a water takeoff. According to the pilot, the accident occurred about 200 feet above the water when, after making a right turn, the engine ceased operating. The pilot immediately switched fuel tanks and attempted to restart the engine, but the efforts were unsuccessful. The airplane subsequently descended and struck trees, and the right wing impacted the terrain, resulting in substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that during the climb, after the engine lost power, he noticed that the center fuel tank—which had been selected for takeoff—was empty. Passengers aboard the airplane stated that the engine did regain power after the pilot switched tanks, but by that time the airplane had already struck the trees. The pilot also indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. As a recommendation, the pilot suggested more closely following checklists.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be the pilot's selection of an empty fuel tank for takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power.