N4443K

Substantial
None

RYAN NAVIONS/N: NAV-4-1443

Accident Details

Date
Monday, January 19, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA092
Location
Three Forks, MT
Event ID
20090119X34648
Coordinates
45.903331, -111.529724
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel system management. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's diverted attention and failure to perform the prelanding checklist.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
RYAN
Serial Number
NAV-4-1443
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1948
Model / ICAO
NAVIONNAVI
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
NAVION

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CLARKE RICHARD W
Address
PO BOX 355
City
ROYAL OAK
State / Zip Code
MD 21662-0355
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that prior to departure he noted that both wing tip tanks were full of fuel and the main tank was at least 2/3 full, giving adequate fuel for the flight. After takeoff the pilot repositioned the fuel selector to draw fuel from the right tip tank, and later while en route, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tip tank. Approaching the destination airport, the pilot became somewhat distracted while talking with a passenger. He did not follow the prelanding checklist and failed to reposition the fuel selector to the main tank, which contained adequate fuel. When the airplane was about 2.5 miles from the airport, all engine power was lost. The pilot then repositioned the fuel selector to draw fuel from the main tank; however, engine power was not restored as the airplane descended from the traffic pattern. The pilot made a forced landing on the underlying rough terrain. During roll out, the airplane collided with vegetation and a wing broke.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA092