Articles - Lessons Learned

John Denver - Long EZ Accident - Oct. 12, 1997
NTSB Accident Report: http://www.ntsb.gov/Aviation/LAX/lnarr_98A008.htm

One of the most significant contributing causes for this accident that the NTSB cites is the fact that "The original builder had modified the fuel system by relocating the fuel selector handle from a position between the front pilot's legs to a position behind & above his (or her) left shoulder...", and that "...There were no markings for the operating positions of the fuel selector handle...". This modification made it very difficult for the pilot to reach the fuel selector switch while in flight. Not labeling the selector positions made it easy to misinterpret the state of each possible selection. The report also cites the "...pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, specifically his failure to refuel the airplane." As aircraft builders, this case should prompt all of us to give very careful consideration to any changes that we make to any project we are building or restoring. As pilots, this case should prompt us to be very consciences and deliberate in our preflight planning and preparation. Even simple issues such as fuel levels, combined with other factors, can have fatal consequences.

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