SADLER TERRY RANS S-7 COURIER
Riley, KS — October 1, 2011
Event Information
| Date | October 1, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA003 |
| Event ID | 20111003X55220 |
| Location | Riley, KS |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.30222, -96.75528 |
| Airport | Leo's Place Airport |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | SADLER TERRY |
| Model | RANS S-7 COURIER |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to ensure that the fuel shutoff valve was turned on before departure.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was finished flying for the day and had turned off the fuel shutoff valve and tied the airplane down. He noticed a family with a 10-year old boy at the airport and offered to give the boy a “quick ride around the field.” The pilot untied the airplane, put the boy in the back seat, started the engine and taxied to the runway. During take-off, about 30 feet above ground level, the engine stopped and the airplane impacted terrain and obstructions on the edge of the airport. The impact collapsed the left main landing gear and deformed the forward lower fuselage causing substantial damage. The pilot reported that he had failed to complete a preflight cockpit check and turn on the fuel shutoff valve. In addition, the pilot reported that shoulder harnesses were installed and available, but were not worn.
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.