N96VA

On October 7, 1995, approximately 1445 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Vans RV-6T, N96VA, collided with several objects during a forced landing about one-eighth mile from Sunset Airpark, North Plains, Oregon. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which departed Gold Beach, Oregon approximately 1315, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and the ELT, which was activated by the impact, was turned off at the scene.

According to the pilot, he switched to the aircraft's left tank, which indicated more than three-quarters full, while on approach to land at Sunset Airpark. Just over one-half mile from the end of the runway, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot switched back to the right tank, but because of his close proximity to the ground, he could not get the engine started in time to avoid a forced landing in a field of raspberries. During the landing flare, the aircraft collided with steel fence posts and static wires used to support the berries.

It was later determined that the left fuel tank was empty at the time of the accident, but a false fuel quantity indication had been generated by a malfunctioning fuel-quantity sending unit.