Event WPR16CA145

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, about 500 feet, the engine lost power. He made a left turn to return to the airport, but instead touched down hard next to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. This was the first flight following completion of an annual inspection. During the inspection maintenance personnel had placed the fuel selector valve (FSV) in the off position, and did not return it to the full on position before the flight. The pilot reported that he and the owner usually kept the fuel selector valve in the on position, and that he did not use a checklist or confirm that it was in the full on position before takeoff. The pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, about 500 feet, the engine lost power. He made a left turn to return to the airport, but instead touched down hard next to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. This was the first flight following completion of an annual inspection. During the inspection maintenance personnel had placed the fuel selector valve (FSV) in the off position, and did not return it to the full on position before the flight. The pilot reported that he and the owner usually kept the fuel selector valve in the on position, and that he did not use a checklist or confirm that it was in the full on position before takeoff. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Forgotten action/omission-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Fuel system-Fuel selector/shutoff valve-Incorrect use/operation - C
• C Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid management - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C
• F Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of checklist-Pilot - F