Cessna 182P N7376N accident near Mineral Wells, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel tank selection prior to takeoff, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the airplane checklist.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, the engine lost total power about 200 ft above the ground during the initial climb. The pilot observed that the fuel selector was in the OFF position and moved the fuel selector to the BOTH position but chose not to attempt to restart the engine due to the airplane’s low altitude. The pilot conducted a forced landing, during which the right wing and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation, and he failed to properly use the checklist during the preflight.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA199 for the full record.