ERA11LA359

Shortly after takeoff, the engine stopped momentarily, recovered, and lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a wooded area and the airplane sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not disclose any evidence of a mechanical malfunction. There was adequate fuel on board for the flight. The floor-mounted tank selector handle was found near the off position. It is likely that the pilot inadvertently moved the tank selector handle to the off position prior to the loss of engine power. The pilot had no recollection of the accident.

On June 23, 2011, about 1219 eastern daylight time, a Navion B, N75394, was substantially damaged following a total loss of engine power and collision with trees and terrain near Red Oak, North Carolina. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Double S Airport (19NC), Nashville, North Carolina about 1218 and was destined for Wilson Industrial Air Center Airport (W03), Wilson, North Carolina. The pilot reported no recollection of the event. The pilot's son reported the following. He was at the airstrip and watched his father perform the preflight inspection. During the engine run-up, the "engine sounded good and strong." The pilot prepared for a takeoff to the south. Shortly after the airplane became airborne, the engine stopped suddenly. A few seconds later, the engine started again and sounded "smooth and strong" like it had previously. The engine quit again a few seconds later and the airplane descended into the trees. The pilot's son found the wreckage in a wooded area and called 911. He reported that, other than opening the canopy, he did not touch anything in the cockpit, nor did he see anyone else touch anything in the cockpit. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The left and right wings were structurally damaged from the collision with trees. The fuselage was buckled. The airplane came to rest in a 15- to 20-degree nose down attitude. A dipstick was placed in the main fuel tank and the depth of the fuel was about 6 inches. The floor-mounted fuel tank selector handle was found "just out of off position." The fuel selector handle moved freely and the tank detents were correctly aligned. The electric fuel pump was found in the "on" position and produced 4 to 5 psi of pressure when tested. The fuel drain was opened and the fuel appeared "clear and uncontaminated." The fuel tank cap seals were in good condition. Aileron continuity was established; rudder and elevator continuity could not be established due to impact damage.