Cessna 182P N7392Q accident near Bridgeport, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly position the fuel selector before takeoff, which resulted a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the takeoff was "normal" until about 200 ft above ground level, when the engine "suddenly stopped completely." Her efforts to restore engine power were not successful, and she executed a forced landing straight ahead. The airplane touched down "hard" in a pasture off the end of the runway and impacted a row of trees before coming to a stop. A witness that responded to the accident site stated that the fuel selector was in the off position. A responding law enforcement officer stated that both the pilot and passenger independently informed him that they believed the fuel selector was in the "wrong" position during takeoff. A postrecovery examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction; therefore, it is likely that the engine experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA044 for the full record.