Eipper QUICKSILVER
Mayaguez, PR — December 22, 2019
Event Information
| Date | December 22, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA20CA059 |
| Event ID | 20191222X32136 |
| Location | Mayaguez, PR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 18.21056, -67.15916 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Eipper |
| Model | QUICKSILVER |
| 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 |
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.
Full Narrative
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 and was rescued by boaters. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing and the structural tubing of the fuselage.
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.