Making the switch

Why you shouldn’t switch fuel tanks prior to takeoff

The aircraft taxied onto the runway and turned right. The pilot throttled up for the take-off and just after lift off the engine lost power. The aircraft was force landed beyond the end of the runway. It was severely damaged and the two occupants transported to hospital.

Carby ice was ruled out. There was some 120 litres of fuel on board. The engine was satisfactorily test run as part of the investigation with no mechanical issues found.