Cessna 182Q N759ZS accident near Holly Springs, Mississippi

Probable cause

The pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during takeoff initial climb.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection, he verified that the fuel selector valve was selected to the “BOTH” tanks on position by tactile feel; however, he did not visually verify the actual position of the valve. During departure, about 400 feet above ground level, as the pilot began to make a left turn on course, the engine lost power. The airplane nosed down, and the pilot activated the newly installed ballistic recovery system, which deployed a parachute. The airplane impacted several trees and came to rest upright. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector valve was in the "OFF" position. After the airplane was partially disassembled and recovered from the accident site, a fuel supply was rigged to the right wing fuel line, and the fuel selector was moved to the right tank position. The engine started and operated normally at idle; due to the extent of the damage to the airplane, the throttle was advanced only to 1500 rpm.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA370 for the full record.