The student pilot reported that, while attempting to take a picture of himself, he accidentally moved the fuel shutoff switch to the OFF position. The engine experienced a complete loss of power.
He initiated a forced landing onto open water near Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and was rescued by boaters.
The Quicksilver sustained substantial damage to the wing and the structural tubing of the fuselage.
Probable Cause: 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.
This December 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
“Gravity Is A Harsh Mistress” (With apologies to Robert H.)
or, ‘ take offs are optional. landing are mandatory.’
Then there is the 3 most useless things in aviation.
1. runway behind you
2 fuel in the truck
3, air above you
Hmmmm…!! it seems that a guard is needed for the electric fuel pump switch…..so a stupid pilot won’t accidentally turn it off.
What about the engine driven fuel pump? What aircraft requires an electric fuel pump, under normal operation, to keep the engine running?
What kind of contortions was this idiot going through to actually turn off the fuel supply? He didn’t just flip a switch.
The Rotax 2 stroke engines require a fuel pump, which is electric.
On this aircraft the fuel pump switch is a rocker switch, which can be ‘bumped’ and put it in the off position….a stupid design.
Not all Rotax 2 stroke engines are created equal – You must work for CNN…
I guess this “pilot” hasn’t yet learned to “Aviate, Navigate and Communicate” first ??
So, where’s the picture–20 fathoms down?
I wonder if the “selfy” caught his facial expression the moment he realized he just became a glider pilot…
Modern problems – Cell phones have been distracting drivers for decades now. I’m actually surprised we don’t see a few more aviation accidents due to cell phones, or the ever growing Go Pro population.
All these extra gadgets in the cockpit have their uses, but bring along a whole new set of potential issues.
For the most part aviation salvation over auto is a matter of physical detriment proximity.
Well selfies are trendy now days 🥴
I think this student should hold a contest to CAPTION the photo.
He was still a little wet behind the ears.