Mooney M20C
Bolingbrook, IL — September 17, 2008
Event Information
| Date | September 17, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CHI08CA283 |
| Event ID | 20081003X41455 |
| Location | Bolingbrook, IL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.69584, -88.12917 |
| Airport | CLOW INTL |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Mooney |
| Model | M20C |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The non-mechanical loss of engine power due to the pilot's incorrect positioning of the fuel tank selector prior to takeoff and the subsequent fuel starvation during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he performed a "runup" and switched the fuel tank selector to the fullest tank prior to takeoff on a cross country flight. During takeoff the pilot retracted the landing gear, climbed to about 300 feet above ground level, and then encountered a loss of engine power. He stated that he banked left to avoid housing and landed the airplane at an intersection with stopped traffic. An airframe and powerplant mechanic that assisted the first responders stated that he found the fuel selector switch in the four o'clock position between the three o'clock right hand tank position and the six o'clock off position. An on-scene examination of the airplane revealed no other pre-impact anomalies.
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.