N399DC

Substantial
None

ALLEN ROBERT RV6S/N: 25129

Accident Details

Date
Monday, October 10, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA17CA022
Location
Ocala, FL
Event ID
20161013X50634
Coordinates
29.166110, -82.223052
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and a forced landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N399DC
Make
ALLEN ROBERT
Serial Number
25129
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1999
Model / ICAO
RV6RV6
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SAINT AVIATION INC
Address
10575 SW 147TH CIR
Status
Deregistered
City
DUNNELLON
State / Zip Code
FL 34432-4772
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he did not fill the fuel tanks before departing and while en-route the left fuel tank was exhausted and he switched to the right fuel tank. Upon reaching 3,000 feet during the descent to the destination airport, the right fuel tank was exhausted and the engine lost power. The pilot reported that when the engine lost power, the "fuel totalizer showed 30 minutes of fuel remaining, but both fuel level sender units read zero".

The pilot reported that he realized the airplane would not glide to the intended airport and opted to land on a driveway at a local farm. During the forced landing the airplane struck wood and metal fence posts before the right main wheel dug into the grass and spun the airplane approximately 90 degrees to the right.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.

The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA022