Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to take off with inadequate fuel.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power, and the pilot performed a forced landing. The pilot stated that the airplane did not experience any problems prior to the loss of power, and that the fuel selector valve was set to 'BOTH.' During the preflight, he visually checked the fuel gages, which incorporated a 'gray area' to indicate an inadequate fuel load for takeoff. Fuel gage indications were 'just above the gray area.' Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a fuel spill, nor any mechanical malfunction. The right fuel tank was empty, and the left fuel tank contained about 1/2 gallon of fuel.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 17, 1997, about 1550 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 120, N2550N, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from the Henry County Airport (OH17), Napoleon, Ohio. The certificated private pilot received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the local flight. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that he had been having trouble starting the airplane's engine when it was warm. He further stated, "My intention was to go around the pattern once, stop the engine, and see if it would start again. The plane got about 100 ft. off the ground and engine died." During the subsequent forced landing the airplane impacted trees. The pilot stated that he did not experience any problems with the airplane prior to the loss of engine power, and that the fuel selector valve was set to "BOTH." He also stated that during the preflight he visually checked the fuel gages, which incorporated a "gray area" to indicate an unsafe fuel load for takeoff. Fuel gage indications were "just above the gray area." Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector revealed no evidence of a fuel spill. The fuel selector was found in the off position, but had been moved by fire/rescue personnel from an unknown position. The fuel system was intact and there was no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The right fuel tank was empty, and the left fuel tank contained approximately 1/2 gallon of fuel. Both fuel gauges indicated zero. -