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NTSB Report
July 18, 2016 · Beech 19A · N7645R
Helena, MT
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 18, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Helena, MT
Aircraft
Beech 19A (1969)
Tail Number
N7645R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR16CA145
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.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to reposition the fuel selector valve to the on position prior to takeoff resulting in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly complete the pre-takeoff checklist.
Full 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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 MDT
Nearest AirportHELENA (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length2989 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech 19A
Tail NumberN7645R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360 A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 52
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC