Quote:
Originally Posted by flipper35
I should probably look it up, but wasn't John Denver's aircraft new to him but built by the PO and the PO had the fuel selector switch in an odd position over your shoulder?
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And it was sticking, leading to flipping over after pushing a pedal for leverage
afaik. Denver was an experienced pilot and had flown it briefly the day before as an intro flight. He must have been aware of that problem and awareness of all aircraft controls were not yet instinctual. He also must have been aware of the fuel levels as well. Supposedly ground crew offered to fill it up or check it pre-flight, but he declined, thinking there was more remaining than there actually was (6gal i think). That plane was capable of holding so much more. A combination of basic mistakes from a very well liked person. I hope other pilots keep that in the back of their minds and his needless death serves a purpose.