Probable cause
The total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from debris in the fuel selector valve restricting the fuel flow to the engine and led to a forced landing on rough terrain.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, shortly after departing for a local, personal flight and while the airplane was about 875 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The student attempted to restart the engine without success. Subsequently, he conducted a forced landing in a field, during which the left main landing gear and wing struck a dirt mound, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, the right wing spar and leading edge, and the left wing attachment.
Postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed that there was debris inside the fuel selector valve check ball. The debris likely restricted the fuel flow to the engine and led to the loss of all engine power due to fuel starvation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA041 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 13, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Port Allen, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- Omni (LA46)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Flight Design Gmbh CTSW
- N-number
- N329CT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.