Alaskan Air Adventures Llc SQ2 N148CM accident near Talkeetna, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent movement of the fuel selector valve to a position between the tanks, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot performed a preflight inspection with no anomalies noted. Then, after takeoff, about 50 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot elected to land the airplane straight ahead on the runway, however, there was not enough runway remaining to stop the airplane, so he maneuvered the airplane into vegetation on the side of the runway to avoid a runway overrun. After the airplane came to rest, the pilot noted that the fuel selector was in between the right and left fuel tank positions, which likely got “bumped prior to takeoff.” During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wings and right elevator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA070 for the full record.