Lakewood, WI, USA
N3575T
Taylorcraft F19
The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during an emergency landing following a reported loss of engine power in cruise flight. The pilot stated that he "mistakenly turned fuel shut off valve instead of tank valve. After noticing main tank was not filling, [he] realized the wrong valve was turned and immediately corrected action. Pilot turned correct valve and seconds later the engine quit."
On August 4, 2003, at 1730 central daylight time, a Taylorcraft F19, N3575T, operated by a private pilot was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an emergency landing following a reported in-flight loss of engine power near Lakewood, Wisconsin. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed from Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at 1615 and was destined for a private airstrip in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The pilot stated: Pilot was in cruise phase of flight at 2500 [feet above mean sea level]. Approximately 1 hour after departure pilot noted fuel in main tank was below half and attempted to refill main tank from auxiliary wing tank. Pilot mistakenly turned fuel shut off valve instead of tank valve. After noticing main tank was not filling, pilot realized the wrong valve was turned and immediately corrected action. Pilot turned correct valve and seconds later the engine quit. Pilot turned toward old clearcut near a gravel road and attempted restart with prop windmilling. ... During flare left wing struck small tree causing aircraft to bank right and yaw left. Right wing tip struck ground. Aircraft rolled out and struck small tree with nose and rode up over it snagging right gear.
A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper use of the fuel system. A related factor was the tree.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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