# NTSB MIA94LA129: Taylor Osprey, N323ET, Sanford, FL, May 1, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 1, 1994, 15:35 local (19:35 UTC)
- Place: Sanford, FL
- Coordinates: 28.809734, -81.330612 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8097&lon=-81.3306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37537
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37537/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA129

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO USE THE CHECKLIST BEFORE TAKEOFF. THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO THE FUEL SELECTOR BEING IN THE OFF POSITION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THE ENGINE LOST POWER ON TAKEOFF AND HE TURNED BACK TO THE AIRPORT BUT COULD NOT MAKE IT. HE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. EXAMINATION OF THE COCKPIT REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS IN THE OFF POSITION.

## Factual narrative

On May 1, 1994, about 1535 eastern daylight time, N323ET, a homebuilt Osprey airplane crashed at Sanford Airport, Sanford, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight had originated about 30 minutes earlier.

The pilot experienced an engine failure on takeoff and turned to return to the airport. The airplane crashed into a ditch, and broke in half. Examination of the cockpit after the accident by FAA personnel revealed the fuel selector was in the off position.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N323ET](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N323ET-1997-02-20), registration cancelled 1997-02-20, S/N 1201 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLOR OSPREY
- Registry model: [Taylor W E/Mayes E G OSPRAY](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylor-w-e-mayes-e-g-ospray) (registry code 9570617) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1201
- Airframe hours: 35
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1CC 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Taylor, William E.
- Registered owner: Taylor, William E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 20, 1994, 10 hours before
- Airport: SFB, Sanford, runway 9R, 3,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: expired; seat: left; flight hours: 5,000 total, 30 in this make and model, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SFB

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19940501009639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940501009639A), May 1, 1994: Ogden OSPREY, Sanford, FL, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climbout. Turned back. Landed in a ditch. Broke in half. Fuel selector was in off position.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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