Summary
On July 25, 2018, a Cessna 172 (N171Q) was involved in an incident near Meadow Lakes, 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 selection of the wrong fuel tank for departure, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. He added that, he realized the wrong fuel tank had been selected for takeoff and performed a forced landing on a gravel stream bed north of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA454. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N171Q.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s selection of the wrong fuel tank for departure, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. He added that, he realized the wrong fuel tank had been selected for takeoff and performed a forced landing on a gravel stream bed north of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA454