Probable cause
The pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank before departure, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that his preflight inspection revealed 18 gallons of fuel in the left tank and "no fuel in the right tank." After an engine run-up, he initiated a takeoff; he reported that he did not recall any further events of the flight. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and terrain about 1/4 mile from the runway and came to rest near a ditch.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, and the fuel selector valve was in the right tank position. The gascolator was intact and contained no fuel. It is likely that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 27, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- White Bear Township, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Benson (6MN9)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA22
- N-number
- N2621P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.