Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to continue the new engine break-in process. He departed with 46 total gallons of fuel but did not know the exact amount in each tank. During the flight he switched fuel tanks at a fuel consumption interval of 10 gallons. As he turned back toward the airport, he noted 14 gallons in the right tank and 4.5 gallons in the left tank. He intended to utilize the left tank until he started a descent, at which time he would switch to the right tank. About 18 miles from the airport, he felt the airplane decelerate so he turned on the fuel boost pump, and advanced the mixture and throttle controls, but did not switch fuel tanks. He diverted to a nearby airport but was unable to reach it, so he activated the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The airplane descended to the ground under the parachute canopy and landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He added that he forgot to switch fuel tanks as he had intended and exhausted the fuel in the left tank. Postaccident examination revealed 14 gallons of fuel in the right tank, which was breached, and trace amounts of fuel in the left tank, which remained intact.