Accident Overview
On July 21, 1965, a Bü-131 Jungmann A-57 aircraft was involved in an accident at Yverdon Aerodrome, Switzerland. The pilot was forced to land the aircraft in a field after mistakenly closing the fuel valve in flight instead of setting it to the cruise position. The pilot emerged uninjured, while the aircraft suffered severe damage, assessed at 75 percent.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation report approved on September 21/October 2, 1965, the pilot attempted to perform a fuel system adjustment during flight. Intending to select the cruise setting, the pilot inadvertently closed the fuel valve. This action led to engine fuel starvation, necessitating an immediate landing off the airfield.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft involved was a Bü-131 Jungmann, designation A-57. The pilot, whose identity was not disclosed in the report, operated the aircraft from Yverdon Aerodrome. No information regarding the pilot's experience or weather conditions was included in the findings.
Investigation Findings
The Federal Commission of Inquiry into Aircraft Accidents determined that the accident resulted directly from the pilot's erroneous manipulation of the fuel selector. The report, dated August 23, 1965, and transmitted to the Commission on September 3, 1965, was approved through a circulation process. No additional causal factors were identified.