ANC22LA024

The pilot reported that, after takeoff when the airplane was about 150 to 200 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing in a snow covered field, during which the airplane nosed over, causing substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector was in the left fuel tank position. The left fuel tank contained about 3 gallons of fuel, 1.5 gallons of which was usable. The Cessna Pilot’s Operating Handbook required the fuel selector handle to be in the “both” position for takeoffs and landings. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the engine. Given the fuel selector position, which was not consistent with takeoff procedures, and the limited fuel in the left tank, it is likely that the fuel in the left tank unported or had depleted to a level that resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power.

On March 19, 2022, about 1935 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N6332D, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Talkeetna, Alaska. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the airplane had 20 gallons of fuel onboard before takeoff. The pilot reported that, after takeoff, when the airplane was about 150 to 200 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot made an emergency landing to a snow-covered field. Upon touchdown, the nosewheel separated and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector was in the left fuel tank position. The pilot reported that the airplane had 20 gallons of fuel onboard. About 3 gallons of fuel were drained from the left tank, and 13 gallons were drained from the right fuel tank. Each tank had an unusable fuel quantity of 1.5 gallons. The Cessna Pilot’s Operating Handbook required the fuel selector handle to be in the “both” position for takeoffs and landings. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the engine.