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NTSB Report
May 23, 1989 · Cessna 170B · N3132B
Birchwood, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Birchwood, AK
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N3132B
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89FA076
THE PLT STATED HE MADE AN ENG RUN-UP WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR IN THE LEFT TANK POSITION, THEN HE MOVED THE SELECTOR TO USE THE RIGHT TANK FOR TAKEOFF. DURING TAKEOFF, THE ACFT CLIMBED APRX 200 TO 300 FT AGL, THEN THE ENG LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A SWAMP/MUD FLAT. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ACFT OR ENG WAS FOUND. THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHEN HE TOUCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR HANDLE, DURING THE EMERGENCY RESTART PROCEDURE, HE FELT THE SELECTOR GO INTO THE RIGHT DETENT POSITION.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ASSURE THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS IN THE PROPER DETENT FOR TAKEOFF. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE SOFT/MUDDY TERRAIN CONDITIONS IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
THE PLT STATED HE MADE AN ENG RUN-UP WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR IN THE LEFT TANK POSITION, THEN HE MOVED THE SELECTOR TO USE THE RIGHT TANK FOR TAKEOFF. DURING TAKEOFF, THE ACFT CLIMBED APRX 200 TO 300 FT AGL, THEN THE ENG LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A SWAMP/MUD FLAT. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ACFT OR ENG WAS FOUND. THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHEN HE TOUCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR HANDLE, DURING THE EMERGENCY RESTART PROCEDURE, HE FELT THE SELECTOR GO INTO THE RIGHT DETENT POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:02 AKDT
Nearest AirportBirchwood (1nm S)
Runway19
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN3132B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO