Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent misplacement of the fuel selector, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he switched the fuel selector while taxiing for takeoff. During takeoff, about 150 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power and impacted trees. Postaccident examination revealed that the fuel selector was between the right and left tank positions. No fuel was found in the carburetor bowl and about 1 ounce of fuel was found in the accelerator pump cavity. No other anomalies were found with the engine. Therefore, the loss of engine power was likely due to the pilot's inadvertent placement of the fuel selector between the two tanks, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA219 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Williamson, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Eagles Landing (5GA3)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV 4
- N-number
- N102GL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1987
- 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.