Summary
On October 01, 2011, a Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER (N2417T) was involved in an accident near Riley, KS. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to ensure that the fuel shutoff valve was turned on before departure.
The pilot reported that he was finished flying for the day and had turned off the fuel shutoff valve and tied the airplane down. He noticed a family with a 10-year old boy at the airport and offered to give the boy a “quick ride around the field.” The pilot untied the airplane, put the boy in the back seat, started the engine and taxied to the runway. During take-off, about 30 feet above ground level, the engine stopped and the airplane impacted terrain and obstructions on the edge of the airport. The impact collapsed the left main landing gear and deformed the forward lower fuselage causing substantial damage. The pilot reported that he had failed to complete a preflight cockpit check and turn on the fuel shutoff valve.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN12CA003. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2417T.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to ensure that the fuel shutoff valve was turned on before departure.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was finished flying for the day and had turned off the fuel shutoff valve and tied the airplane down. He noticed a family with a 10-year old boy at the airport and offered to give the boy a “quick ride around the field.” The pilot untied the airplane, put the boy in the back seat, started the engine and taxied to the runway. During take-off, about 30 feet above ground level, the engine stopped and the airplane impacted terrain and obstructions on the edge of the airport. The impact collapsed the left main landing gear and deformed the forward lower fuselage causing substantial damage. The pilot reported that he had failed to complete a preflight cockpit check and turn on the fuel shutoff valve. In addition, the pilot reported that shoulder harnesses were installed and available, but were not worn.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA003