Probable cause
The student pilot's inadvertent movement of the fuel shutoff switch to the “off” position while attempting to take a picture of himself, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and a subsequent ditching in open water.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, while attempting to take a picture of himself, he accidentally moved the fuel shutoff switch to the "off" position, which resulted in a loss of all engine power. He ditched the airplane onto open water and was rescued by boaters. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing and the structural tubing of the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA059 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 22, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eipper QUICKSILVER
- N-number
- N211RR
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- 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.