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 detents in the fuel selector, and the flight crew’s lack of understanding of proper fuel selector operation.
aviation accidents
Crawfish chimneys get the best of Texas pilot
The pilot’s decision to takeoff with known obstacles on the runway and his subsequent failure to avoid the windsock on takeoff.
Human Factors: Batten down the hatches…and all the other stuff too
This accident is a good reminder that while loose lips sink ships, it’s loose items in the cockpit that can wreak havoc with flight controls.
Pilot seriously injured when plane hits cactus
The pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a cactus and impact with terrain.
Failure to remove towbar just the first of pilot’s mistakes
The pilot’s failure to remove the towbar from the nose landing gear before takeoff, which resulted in a sustained adverse yaw condition, and his failure to adequately monitor the fuel system while circling the airport, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of power to the right engine.
Spatial disorientation fatal for Aviat pilot
A loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain as a result of spatial disorientation during cruise in dark night conditions.
Snow and sunlight bad combination for Cub pilot
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a low approach over a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the loss of depth perception due to the bright sunlight and snow.
Delayed use of carb heat leads to total loss of engine power
The pilot’s delayed use of carburetor heat, which resulted in carburetor icing and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
4 Rules of Thumb for Safer Takeoffs
The latest video in the FAA’s 57 Seconds to Safer Flying series lays out 4 Rules of Thumb for Safer Takeoffs.





