NTSB Factual Report

On November 23, 2016, about 1115 central standard time, a Cessna 182P airplane, N7392Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power on initial climb after takeoff from runway 36 (4,004 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) at the Bridgeport Municipal Airport (XBP), Bridgeport, Texas. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to Skypartners LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was operated on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The flight had originated shortly before the accident.

The pilot reported that they departed Hutchinson Regional Airport (HUT) about 0827. The intended destination was the New Braunfels Regional Airport (BAZ), with a planned fuel stop at XBP. After fueling the airplane at XBP, she obtained an IFR clearance to BAZ. The takeoff was "normal" until about 200 ft above ground level when the engine "suddenly stopped completely." Her efforts to restore engine power were not successful and she executed a forced landing straight ahead. The airplane touched down "hard" in the pasture off the end of the runway and impacted a row of trees before coming to a stop.

The passenger reported that the takeoff proceeded "uneventfully" and the engine ran "smoothly." However, shortly after takeoff as the airplane neared the end of the runway, the engine lost power. The airplane landed "very hard" in the grass beyond the end of the runway and struck trees.

A witness reported that the airplane first touched down about 1,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway in the middle of a field. The airplane subsequently bounced, touched down again, and impacted a tree. The propeller separated after the airplane contacted the tree. He responded to the accident site and observed the fuel selector in the Off position at that time. He noted that fuel was pouring from the right-wing fuel tank.

The responding Texas Highway Patrol Trooper stated that both the pilot and passenger independently informed him that they believed the fuel selector was in the "wrong" position during takeoff. They had stopped for fuel and did not reset the selector prior to departure.

The accident site was located about 500 yards north of the runway 36 departure threshold, according to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector that responded to scene. A postrecovery examination of the airplane was conducted by an FAA inspector, with technical assistance from representatives of the airframe and engine manufacturers. No anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction were observed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to properly position the fuel selector before takeoff, which resulted a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.