Accident Beechcraft C23 N9365S, Wednesday 14 September 1983

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Date:	Wednesday 14 September 1983
Time:	18:51 LT
Type:	Beechcraft C23
Owner/operator:	Jay H./virginia Smith
Registration:	N9365S
MSN:	M-1661
Total airframe hrs:	1085 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-360-A4J
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Northway, AK - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE ACFT NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT AT 300 FT AGL DURING TAKEOFF. THE PLT STATED THE ENGINE QUIT SUDDENLY WITH AND WARNING AT 300 FT AGL. WITNESSES ON THE ARPT SAID THEY HEARD THE ENGINE MISFIRING AND BACKFIRING SO BADLY DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THEY WERE SURE THAT THE PLT WOULD ABORT THE TAKEOFF. DURING THE POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION THE AUX FUEL PUMP SWITCH WAS FOUND IN THE OFF POSITION. THE ON POSITION IS REQUIRED FOR TAKEOFF ANDLANDING. FAILURE TO USE THIS PUMP AND ADJUSTMENT OF MIXTURE FOR TAKEOFF WILL RESULT IN THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED BY THE WITNESSES.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: