Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that prior to departing on the one-hour flight, he added 5 gallons of fuel to both left and right fuel tanks, and visually estimated the total fuel on board to be 23 gallons. Approximately 4 minutes from the destination airport, the engine began to sputter. The pilot noticed that the right fuel tank gauge indicated empty, and the left indicated one-quarter full. The pilot then switched the fuel selector from the right tank to the left, but the engine continued to sputter, and the pilot selected a field to perform a forced landing. The airplane landed between two trees, resulting in substantial damage to both left and right wings. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA055