Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper in-flight decision making which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot departed from his home airport on a personal flight with 8 to 9 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 6 to 7 gallons of fuel in the right tank. He planned to use the left fuel tank for most of the flight, then switch to the right tank upon returning to the airport for touch-and-go-landings. The pilot stated that he did not switch to the right tank and during the third touch-and-go and the engine experienced a total loss of power. He added that he applied carburetor heat but did not remember to switch fuel tanks. The pilot made a forced landing into a wooded area near the airport. The accident is consistent with a total loss of power due to fuel starvation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN21LA068