RICHMOND, RI, USA
N3174N
CESSNA 140
The pilot executed a go-around, and during the climb, the airplane's engine lost power. During the forced landing, the airplane struck the top of a tree. Examination of the wreckage revealed the fuel selector was set on the left tank, the left fuel tank was empty, and the right tank had approximately 5 gallons or less of fuel. Also, the pilot stated that at the time of the engine power loss, the fuel selector was on the 'left' tank. Examination of the left fuel tank revealed no evidence of fuel leakage. Examination of the engine did not reveal any discrepancies.
On August 27, 1995, about 2120 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 140, N3174N, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, at the Richmond Airport, Richmond, Rhode Island. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot executed a go-around while on approach to Runway 29. During the climb the airplane's engine lost power. According to the pilot's statement on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2: ...[I] executed a normal go-around procedure. Approximately 1/4 mile past runway end in normal climbout...engine exhibited intermittent power loss. Turned immediately toward runway 11 for emergency landing. Skimmed across top of a tall tree and descended into scrub pines... The FAA examined the airplane and found the fuel selector on the left tank. The FAA Inspector stated his investigation, "revealed the left fuel tank to be very low on fuel, almost empty...the right tank indicated fuel...estimated to be approximately 5 gallons or less." The pilot had stated to the FAA that at the time of the engine power loss, the fuel selector was on the "left" tank. According to the FAA Inspector, the pilot visually inspected the left fuel tank, after the accident, and the pilot stated, "that the left tank sure looks dry to me." The left tank did not display any evidence of fuel "leakage" at the accident site. The FAA examination of the engine did not reveal any discrepancies. At the time of the accident, the pilot had 1,500 total flight hours, 519 flight hours in this make and model airplane, and 76 night flight hours. The reported local weather was; 3000 scattered, visibility 10 miles, temperature 70 degrees F, winds calm.
The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply, and his improper positioning of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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