Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to takeoff from unsuitable terrain following the forced landing. A factor was fuel starvation induced power loss resultant from the pilot's failure to select the proper fuel tank.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During an aerial application maneuver a fuel starvation total loss of engine power occurred. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the full tank. Engine power was not restored prior to a forced landing on a road. During rollout, engine power was restored. During the takeoff ground roll, the left wing struck a fence post and the airplane veered to the right through a ditch.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 11, 1994, at 0900 central daylight time, a Weatherly 201C, N9075W, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Pampa, Texas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight. A fuel starvation loss of engine power occurred during the spraying maneuver. The pilot selected the other fuel tank which was full; however, engine power was not restored and a forced landing was made on a road. During rollout the engine started to run and a takeoff from the road was attempted. During the ground roll, the left wing of the airplane struck a fence post. The airplane veered to the right and through a ditch. Structural damage occurred to both wings and the landing gear. -