Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane had not flown for about 1 year, and he was told 5 gallons of automobile gasoline remained in it during that time. The pilot further stated that he added an additional 10 gallons of automobile gasoline before the accident flight; however, he was unable to provide a receipt for that fuel. About 30 minutes into a cross-country flight to another airport to purchase more fuel, the engine exhibited a decrease in rpm followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot managed to restart the engine but it lost all power again. He was unable to glide the airplane to the nearest airport and subsequently performed a forced landing to a field. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the single 22-gallon fuselage fuel tank remained intact and contained no fuel. Additionally, the engine-driven fuel pump, fuel lines, and carburetors contained no fuel. Once fuel was added, the engine started normally and ran continuously. Based on this information, it is likely that during the flight, the airplane’s fuel supply was exhausted, which resulted in the total loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 6, 2023, about 1437 eastern daylight time, a special light sport Remos GX airplane, N81GX, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Pierce, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was equipped with one 22-gallon fuel tank, which was located in the aft fuselage. The pilot reported that the airplane had not flown for about 1 year, and he was told 5 gallons of automobile gasoline remained in it during that time. The pilot further stated that he added an additional 10 gallons of automobile gasoline before the accident flight; however, he unable to provide a receipt for that fuel. He completed a preflight inspection and no anomalies were noted. He then departed from Aero Acres Airport (FD88), Fort Pierce, Florida, and flew in the airport traffic pattern uneventfully for several minutes before proceeding on course to Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM), Orlando, Florida, to purchase more fuel. About 30 minutes after departure, at 3,000 ft mean sea level, the engine exhibited a decrease in rpm followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot managed to restart the engine but it lost all power again. He then declared an emergency to air traffic control; however, he was unable to glide the airplane to the nearest airport. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the composite structure of the lower fuselage. The wreckage was further examined following its transport to a recovery facility. Recovery and maintenance personnel reported that the fuel tank remained intact and contained no fuel. Additionally, the engine-driven fuel pump, fuel lines, and carburetors contained no fuel. A mechanic installed a temporary magneto switch as the ignition key was lost during the accident. He then attached a 16-oz bottle of gasoline to the inlet side of the engine-driven fuel pump via a clean fuel hose. After operating for a few seconds, the pump filled the carburetors and the engine started and ran normally.