Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot-in-command to assure proper positioning of the fuel selector resulting in fuel starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was no. 2 in a flight of 2 for landing after a simulated aerial combat flight. On final approach the engine lost power and the pilot executed a forced landing to a cemetery. The airplane collided with terrain during the landing. Inspection of the airplane revealed the fuel selector was positioned between the left and right tanks and the 'see-through' gascolator was empty.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 13, 1994, about 1415 eastern standard time, N260CB, a Sia Marchetti F-260-C, operated by Air Combat USA Inc., crashed on approach to Opa-Locka Airport, Opa-Locka, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 acrobatic flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received minor injuries and the passenger received serious injuries. The flight had originated about 1 hour 30 minutes earlier. The airplane was number two of a flight of two for landing when the engine failed on final approach. The pilot executed a forced landing to a cemetery off the airport. Examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed the fuel selector handle was positioned between the right and left main fuel tanks, and the "see through" gascolator was empty. A review of the onboard video and audio recording revealed no verbal use of the prelanding checklist. -