PAMPA, TX, USA
N9075W
WEATHERLY 201C
DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVER A FUEL STARVATION TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED. THE PILOT SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE FULL TANK. ENGINE POWER WAS NOT RESTORED PRIOR TO A FORCED LANDING ON A ROAD. DURING ROLLOUT, ENGINE POWER WAS RESTORED. DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL, THE LEFT WING STRUCK A FENCE POST AND THE AIRPLANE VEERED TO THE RIGHT THROUGH A DITCH.
On August 11, 1994, at 0900 central daylight time, a Weatherly 201C, N9075W, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Pampa, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight. A fuel starvation loss of engine power occurred during the spraying maneuver. The pilot selected the other fuel tank which was full; however, engine power was not restored and a forced landing was made on a road. During rollout the engine started to run and a takeoff from the road was attempted. During the ground roll, the left wing of the airplane struck a fence post. The airplane veered to the right and through a ditch. Structural damage occurred to both wings and the landing gear.
THE PILOT'S DECISION TO TAKEOFF FROM UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOLLOWING THE FORCED LANDING. A FACTOR WAS FUEL STARVATION INDUCED POWER LOSS RESULTANT FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SELECT THE PROPER FUEL TANK.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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