KITFOX SERIES 5
Kamiah, ID — August 9, 2014
Event Information
| Date | August 9, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR14CA333 |
| Event ID | 20140810X22813 |
| Location | Kamiah, ID |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.22000, -116.01000 |
| Airport | KAMIAH MUNI |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | KITFOX |
| Model | SERIES 5 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to open the fuel shutoff valves for each fuel tank before takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported during preflight refueling he closed a fuel shutoff valve located at each wing root to prevent cross feeding. Upon starting the engine and preparing for takeoff the pilot verified that the main fuel valve was in the on position, but failed to open the fuel shutoff valve located on each wing causing the engine to run only from the approximate 1.5 gallons of fuel contained in the header tank. Just after takeoff the engine lost power as a result of fuel starvation. During the subsequent off airport forced landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to left and right wings, empennage, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.