Summary
On August 13, 2011, a North American AT-6D (N7435U) was involved in an accident near Canon, GA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
The pilot stated that the airplane's fuel tanks were full prior to departing on the 2.5-hour cross-country flight. Approximately 20 miles north of the destination airport, the pilot observed a low fuel caution. He elected to divert to an airport approximately 20 miles east of the airplane's position, and approximately 2 miles from the diversion airport, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot selected a field and conducted a forced landing. The airplane landed hard resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and engine firewall. Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane's fuel tanks were void of fuel, and there was no evidence of fuel leakage.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA11CA449. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7435U.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that the airplane's fuel tanks were full prior to departing on the 2.5-hour cross-country flight. Approximately 20 miles north of the destination airport, the pilot observed a low fuel caution. He elected to divert to an airport approximately 20 miles east of the airplane's position, and approximately 2 miles from the diversion airport, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot selected a field and conducted a forced landing. The airplane landed hard resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and engine firewall. Postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane's fuel tanks were void of fuel, and there was no evidence of fuel leakage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA449