C-FCPG Harmon ROCKET II accident

NTSB WPR26LA280 · 2026-07-24 · Glasgow, MT · near GGW

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he was preparing the airplane for landing and the landing gear would not extend. He attempted to extend the landing gear using the airplane’s manual gear extension procedure and during that effort, the fuel selector valve was inadvertently moved to the OFF position rather than the hydraulic system depressurization valve. The engine experienced a total loss of power, and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent selection of the fuel selector valve to the OFF position resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and subsequent forced landing to a field. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type: Accident
Highest injury: Serious
Weather conditions: Visual Meteorological Cond
Light condition: Day
Sky condition: NONE
Ceiling (ft): 0
Visibility (sm): 10
Wind direction: 0
Temperature (F): 79
Nearest airport: Glasgow Valley Co Airport - Wo
Distance from field: 1.0
Airport elevation: 2296

Aircraft

Registration	Make	Model	Damage	FAR part
C-FCPG	HARMON	ROCKET II	SUBS	091

Sequence of events

#	Occurrence	Phase
1	Maneuvering Fuel starvation defining	Climb
2	Maneuvering Loss of engine power (total)	Climb
3	Maneuvering Off-field or emergency landing	Climb

Findings

Finding
Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Fuel system-Fuel selector/shutoff valve-Incorrect use/operation	cause
Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot	cause