# NTSB investigations: Fuel selector/shutoff valve NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 4 · 177 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB WPR26LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA280.md): Harmon Rocket II · Glasgow, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 24, 2026 · C-FCPG · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent selection of the fuel selector valve to the OFF position resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and subsequent forced landing to a field. - [NTSB WPR26LA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA240.md): Bellanca 17-30A · Santa Paula, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 27, 2026 · N501CR · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA26LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA201.md): Sky Ranger SKY Ranger 1 · Front Royal, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 9, 2026 · N8092S · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in him taking off with the fuel selector in the OFF position, and the subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB ERA26LA181](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA181.md): Aeroprakt Mfg SP Z O O A32 · Lexington, KY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 16, 2026 · N993CW · Substantial damage > The flight instructor’s improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and a forced landing to rough terrain. - [NTSB WPR26LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA081.md): Cessna 172E · Kingman, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 14, 2026 · N7783U · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to use a pre-takeoff checklist, which resulted in the fuel selector being in the off position, and subsequent loss of engine power during takeoff. - [NTSB CEN25LA393](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA393.md): Floyd G Halderman JR RV-6 · Cambridge, MN · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 25, 2025 · N851FH · Substantial damage > The pilot’s continued operation of the faulty fuel selector valve which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the degraded operation of the fuel selector valve and the pilot’s poor decision to operate the… - [NTSB CEN25LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA199.md): Cessna 182P · Mineral Wells, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2025 · N7376N · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper fuel tank selection prior to takeoff, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the airplane checklist. - [NTSB ERA25LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA161.md): Aeronca 7AC · Martinsville, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 1, 2025 · N84065 · Substantial damage > The pilot inadvertently turned off the fuel selector valve on takeoff which resulted in a loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA25LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA207.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Winter Haven, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 29, 2025 · N38BS · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent movement of the fuel selector to a position that restricted fuel flow to the engine, which resulted in the loss of engine power during takeoff. - [NTSB CEN25LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA042.md): Piper PA-23-160 · Manvel, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 15, 2024 · N4143P · Substantial damage > A loss of left engine power during the initial climb due to restricted fuel flow as a result of a binding fuel control cable. - [NTSB ERA25LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA035.md): Piper PA28 · Merritt Island, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 5, 2024 · N207AB · Substantial damage > A worn fuel selector valve, which resulted in a restriction of fuel flow to the engine and a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB WPR24LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA224.md): Cessna 140 · Harmony, WY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 3, 2024 · N3043S · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power as a result of the pilot's inadvertent placement of the fuel selector to the "off" position. - [NTSB CEN24FA240](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA240.md): Cessna 414A · McKinney, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 27, 2024 · N414BS · Destroyed > The pilot's improper decision to attempt continued flight after a loss of left engine power with usable runway remaining and his subsequent failure to follow the emergency procedures and maintain air minimum control speed, which resulted in a loss of control.… - [NTSB CEN24FA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA215.md): Piper PA28 · Clinton, MI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 10, 2024 · N1039X · Substantial damage > The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control while maneuvering for a forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s or flight instructor’s inadvertent positioning of the fuel selector valve between the Left Tank and Off… - [NTSB ERA24LA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA248.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Colquitt, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 5, 2024 · N8715L · Substantial damage > The failure of the fuel shutoff valve from corrosion, which allowed the valve stem to obstruct the internal fuel port, resulting in a restriction of fuel flow to the engine. - [NTSB WPR24LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA167.md): Canadian Car & Foundry Harvard MK IV · Modesto, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 2, 2024 · N7522U · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper fuel tank selection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was a malfunctioning fuel selector at low fuel levels. - [NTSB WPR24LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA178.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Nephi, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 31, 2024 · N7838W · Substantial damage > The pilot’s incorrect movement of the fuel selector valve to an off or restricted position, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. - [NTSB CEN24LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA189.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Hot Springs, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2024 · N6571J · Destroyed > The student pilot’s selection of an improper fuel tank selector position, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate oversight. - [NTSB WPR24LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA088.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Spanish Fork, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 10, 2024 · N989SR · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to ensure proper placement of the fuel selector, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB CEN23FA401](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA401.md): Cessna 150K · Huntsville, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 6, 2023 · N6059G · Substantial damage > A partial loss of engine power due to fuel starvation caused by a fuel system blockage, and the flight instructor’s subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed after the loss of engine power, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of… - [NTSB WPR23LA336](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA336.md): Piper PA-18-135 · Compton, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 3, 2023 · N7199K · Substantial damage > An overstress fracture of the pilot’s seat, which resulted in the loss of control during takeoff and the pilot’s inadvertent movement of the fuel selector and subsequent partial loss of engine power. - [NTSB CEN23FA284](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA284.md): Piper PA-30 · Sherman, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 8, 2023 · N4743M · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain control during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s failure to feather the left propeller following the loss of engine power. - [NTSB WPR23LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA193.md): Cessna 140 · American Falls, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 20, 2023 · N77J · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent selection of the off position of the fuel tank selector inflight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB CEN23FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA139.md): Beech 58P · Lubbock, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 17, 2023 · N2061K · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to ensure a proper fuel selector position before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after the loss of left engine… - [NTSB ERA23FA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23FA136.md): Piper PA-22-150 · Blue Ridge, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Mar 5, 2023 · N3410Z · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation due to the improper positioning of the fuel selector. - [NTSB ERA23LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA128.md): Cessna 210 · Buckhannon, WV · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 18, 2023 · N6597X · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to depart on the flight with an inoperative fuel selector valve. - [NTSB CEN23LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA012.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Paola, KS · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 12, 2022 · N4171W · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power during a departure climb. - [NTSB CEN22LA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA377.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Vernon Hills, IL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 6, 2022 · N6460R · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper in-flight fuel management, which led to a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the collapsed carburetor heat induction tube that restricted airflow to the engine preventing engine restart. - [NTSB WPR22LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA268.md): Piper J3C-65 · Huntington Beach, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 22, 2022 · N3666K · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing was the pilot’s delayed decision to switch fuel tanks. - [NTSB WPR22LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA243.md): Mooney M20C · Oxnard, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 10, 2022 · N6416U · Substantial damage > Fuel starvation due to an inappropriately maintained and modified fuel selector valve. - [NTSB WPR22FA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA196.md): Beech 19A · Oroville, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 2, 2022 · N7641R · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed during a turn and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an accelerated stall. Contributing to the accident was the improper placement of the fuel selector, which resulted… - [NTSB ERA22LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA174.md): Fpna A-22 Valor · Mascotte, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 29, 2022 · N22LV · Substantial damage > The pilot’s incorrect positioning of both wing fuel valves, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB WPR22LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA061.md): Moul Willis RV-3 · Bermuda Dunes, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 11, 2021 · N9YY · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel shutoff valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the pilot’s subsequent exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. - [NTSB ERA22LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA066.md): Piper PA28 · St. Petersburg, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 12, 2021 · N5862W · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent selection of an off fuel selector position, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB CEN22FA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA021.md): Beech B36TC · Lena, WI · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 27, 2021 · N75RM · Substantial damage > Impairment and subsequent incapacitation of the pilot for reasons that could not be determined. The incapacitation resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Likely contributing was pilot hypoxia due to altitude exposure, possibly worsened by… - [NTSB ERA22LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA028.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Sligo, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 23, 2021 · N7371P · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilots mismanagement of fuel. - [NTSB WPR22LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA014.md): Avid Mark IV · Payette, ID · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 13, 2021 · N583DM · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of an outlet screen on the fuel system header tank. - [NTSB CEN22LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA002.md): Beech B23 · Lamesa, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 2, 2021 · N6996Q · Substantial damage > The loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined. - [NTSB ERA21LA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA328.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Orlando, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 17, 2021 · N98304 · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation that resulted from improper maintenance of the fuel selector valve and fuel selector valve cover. - [NTSB ANC21LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA070.md): Alaskan Air Adventures SQ2 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 5, 2021 · N148CM · Substantial damage > The pilot’s inadvertent movement of the fuel selector valve to a position between the tanks, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. - [NTSB WPR21LA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA248.md): Dewsnup Dave Zenair CH 701 SP · Chester, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 26, 2021 · N41XY · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to properly position of the fuel selector valve, which resulted in a loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB CEN21LA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA151.md): Beech 35 · Palestine, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 6, 2021 · N3394V · Substantial damage > A total loss of engine power due to the flight crew incorrectly placing the fuel selector between fuel tank detents, which resulted in fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a placard on the fuel selector, the lack of obvious fuel tank… - [NTSB ERA21LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA087.md): Piper PA46 · Naples, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 19, 2020 · N662TC · Substantial damage > The inadvertent activation of the unguarded ferry tank fuel selector valve, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA21LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA081.md): Piper PA28 · Tampa, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 18, 2020 · N6978W · Destroyed > A total loss of engine power due to the student pilot inadvertently moving the fuel selector to the OFF position. - [NTSB CEN21LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA046.md): Navion A · Fremont, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 5, 2020 · N4856K · Substantial damage > The pilot’s improper positioning of the fuel selector during takeoff, which was not in accordance with the preflight checklist and resulted in fuel starvation, a subsequent total loss of engine power, and an aerodynamic stall during an attempted forced… - [NTSB ERA21LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA022.md): Champion 7FC · Moneta, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 14, 2020 · N7532E · Substantial damage > The fight instructor’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector handle was in the correct position, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation. - [NTSB CEN20LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA078.md): Navion Navion · Fort Smith, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 9, 2020 · N1011M · Substantial damage > The inadequate inspection of the fuel selector valve, which was degraded, allowed fuel to leak, and resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. - [NTSB ERA20CA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA059.md): Eipper Quicksilver · Mayaguez, PR · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 22, 2019 · N211RR · Substantial damage > The student pilot's inadvertent movement of the fuel shutoff switch to the “off” position while attempting to take a picture of himself, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and a subsequent ditching in open water. - [NTSB ERA20FA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20FA026.md): Piper PA32R · Paducah, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 1, 2019 · N181AG · Destroyed > The pilot’s failure to fully seat the fuel selector in the proper tank position during the descent for landing, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. - [NTSB WPR19FA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA251.md): Piper PA18 · Hood River, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 6, 2019 · N14365 · Substantial damage > The total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff as a result of the private pilot’s failure to ensure the fuel selector was in the appropriate position and the certified flight instructor’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack at the time… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823/cases.md?page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01022823')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823/cases --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.