Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper fuel management and preflight planning, which resulted in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing in a field where the airplane nosed over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that about 10 miles from his destination airport he exhausted his fuel supply. Subsequently, the engine experienced a total loss of engine power and he made an emergency landing in a soft dirt field. During the landing roll, the amphibious float- equipped airplane nosed over and came to rest on its back after the floats dug into the dirt. The pilot reported that he did not visually check the fuel quantity prior to flight, but believed he had a sufficient quantity.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA151