NTSB Factual Report

On October 28, 2014, about 1430 mountain standard time, an experimental-Steven J. Henry, Just Aircraft Superstol, N682SC, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Murphy airport, Murphy, Idaho. The pilot initiated a forced landing on a dirt road where during the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence and nosed over. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot, and passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail and fuselage. The local personal flight was departing with a planned destination of Nampa, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the start-up procedures were normal, and the takeoff was into the wind. About 100 to 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot checked the fuel pumps, lowered the nose and initiated a landing to a dirt road next to the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence and nosed over.

The pilot initially reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he believed the loss of power was due to an engine malfunction or fuel contamination. A few days later, after the airplane was returned to his home base, the pilot reported that after examination of the airplane he believed the loss of engine power was a result of the fuel selector set to an empty fuel tank. He further stated he did not believe the loss of engine power had anything to do with an engine malfunction or fuel contamination.

During a follow-up conversation with the pilot, he reported that he had repaired the airplane and returned it to flying status and found no issues with the engine or the fuel system.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to properly manage the fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.