Primary finding
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to refuel. A factor was a lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot did not refuel prior to the last aerial application flight for the morning. At 50 feet above the ground during the left crosswind initial climb after takeoff the fuel pressure light came on. A total loss of engine power occurred. During the forced landing in rough terrain the airplane nosed over. Structural damage occurred to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and left wing. The pilot said the airplane 'ran out of fuel.'
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 16, 1994, at 1200 central daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N10112, sustained substantial damage near Pioneer, Louisiana, during a forced landing. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight. During interviews, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported the fuel pressure light came on during the takeoff initial climb about 50 feet above the ground as the crosswind turn was initiated. During the forced landing roll in rough terrain, the main gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest inverted. Structural damage occurred to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and left wing. This was the last flight for the morning and the pilot did not refuel. The pilot said the airplane "ran out of fuel." The operator reported the airplane "ran too low on gas." -