Summary
On May 13, 2012, a Maule M-4-220C (N615SD) was involved in an incident near Sterling, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to use a preflight checklist and subsequent failure to turn on the airplane's fuel supply, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
The pilot stated that he did not use a preflight checklist, and as a result, he did not turn the fuel selector valve to the "ON" position. During the initial climb, the engine lost power, and the airplane impacted terrain, receiving substantial damage to both wings. The pilot said that the accident could have been prevented through the use of a preflight checklist.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC12CA047. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N615SD.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to use a preflight checklist and subsequent failure to turn on the airplane's fuel supply, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot stated that he did not use a preflight checklist, and as a result, he did not turn the fuel selector valve to the "ON" position. During the initial climb, the engine lost power, and the airplane impacted terrain, receiving substantial damage to both wings. The pilot said that the accident could have been prevented through the use of a preflight checklist.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA047