AAIB investigation to Aeroprakt A32 Vixxen, G-CLEH
Fuel starvation during takeoff, Rossall Airfield, Lancashire, 28 June 2021.
Summary:
The aircraft has a fuel tank in each wing with a valve for each tank situated behind the seats, at shoulder level, on either side of the cockpit. During the flight the pilot closed the left valve to balance the fuel as more had been used from this tank. After landing the pilot decided to do a few circuits and so immediately taxied back to the runway whilst configuring the aircraft. Just before commencing the takeoff he remembered he had closed a fuel valve and reached behind the seat and moved a fuel valve handle.
Shortly after takeoff, at about 100 ft agl, the engine stopped and the pilot landed the aircraft in a field during which the nosewheel collapsed and the propeller was damaged. The pilot secured the aircraft and found that both fuel tank valves were in the closed position.
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