Citing more than 100 accidents in which worn fuel selectors have led to fuel starvation and loss of engine power in small airplanes, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday issued safety alerts outlining actions to be taken by pilots and mechanics to alleviate the problem.
“As fuel selectors wear, the fuel selector handles may be difficult or even impossible to turn,” the NTSB said in Safety Alerts 075 and 076. “It a pilot applies too much force, the internal components can fracture and obstruct the fuel flow, resulting in a total loss of engine power.
“In addition, worn detents could make it difficult for a pilot to properly position the fuel selector to the desired tank. Positioning the fuel selector incorrectly to an empty tank or i…
