Summary
On November 25, 2011, a Anatra Bart T VANS RV-7A (N816BA) was involved in an incident near Quinton, VA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and the subsequent nose-over during the forced landing.
The pilot reported that, after a touch-and-go, about 500 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport; however, it was dark and the airplane landed short of the runway. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane "flipped," resulting in structural damage to the engine firewall, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found the right fuel tank was empty of fuel and was not breached. The pilot stated that the main fuel switch was in the right tank position when the engine lost power. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure during the accident flight.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA12CA088. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N816BA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and the subsequent nose-over during the forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, after a touch-and-go, about 500 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport; however, it was dark and the airplane landed short of the runway. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane "flipped," resulting in structural damage to the engine firewall, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found the right fuel tank was empty of fuel and was not breached. The pilot stated that the main fuel switch was in the right tank position when the engine lost power. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure during the accident flight.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA088