NTSB Factual Report

On June 16, 2003, about 1013 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N8378W, registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that during the takeoff/initial climb, while near the end of the runway, at an altitude of 150 feet, the airplane's engine began to sputter and act as if it was going to cease operating. He stated that he glanced at the fuel selector switch and confirmed that it appeared to be at the proper position, and he then started pumping the throttle. He said the engine seemed as if it would "recover" but as he continued to pump the throttle, the engine finally ceased operating. He said he then maneuvered to avoid obstacles and executed a forced landing into the marsh. During the landing the airplane flipped over its back and was damaged.

After recovery from the marsh, an FAA examiner examined the accident airplane, and the examination revealed that the fuel selector valve had been set beyond the "right tank" detent, which when tested, prevented the flow of fuel to the engine. In addition, the inspector said that the pilot told him that he had problems previously with the engine ceasing to operate when the fuel selector valve was in the "right tank" position, so he had been rotating it beyond the detent for the "right tank" position and had experienced no problems since. The inspector stated that records revealed that the accident airplane had last received an annual inspection on May 10, 1997.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to starvation as a result of the pilot's continued operation of an airplane with known deficiencies.