Houston, TX, USA
N9733P
Piper PA-25-260
The pilot initiated an intersection takeoff while the fuel selector was between fuel tank detents. Shortly after takeoff, the engine experienced fuel starvation followed by a complete loss of engine power. During the forced landing, the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
On October 13, 2007, about 1615 central daylight time, a single-engine Piper PA-25-260 tailwheel-equipped airplane, N9733P, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ), Pearland, Texas. The commercial rated pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Night Hawk Aerial Advertising. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The 64-year old pilot reported that following a pre-flight inspection of the airplane, he performed an intersection takeoff from runway 14 for the purpose of executing touch-and-go maneuvers. When the airplane reached an approximate altitude of 150-feet above ground level (AGL) the engine began to "sputter" followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot elected to perform an emergency landing to a field near the airport. While landing, the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane subsequently impacted terrain, nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. According to the operator, the airplane's left wing and vertical stabilizer sustained structural damage during the mishap. In addition, the operator reported that the fuel tank selector was found between the detent positions.
The pilot's failure to properly position the fuel tank selector before takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the non suitable terrain for the forced landing and fuel starvation.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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