Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to properly position of the fuel selector valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, the engine sputtered and he discovered that the fuel valve lever was in the OFF position. He moved the fuel selector and fuel pump levers to ON, but the engine lost complete power. The pilot then elected to conduct a forced landing to a marsh field, during which the airplane touched down hard, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The right wing and the rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA248 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 26, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chester, California
- Nearest airport
- Rogers Fld (O05)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
ZENAIR CH 701 SP
- N-number
- N41XY
- 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.