Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that prior to the cross-country flight, which would require approximately six gallons of fuel to complete, he had seven gallons of fuel in the main fuel tank and five gallons in the auxiliary tank. The cross-country flight was uneventful; about 0.5 mile away from the airport, on the base leg, the airplane’s engine stopped developing power. The pilot reported he was unable to open the auxiliary tank valve in a timely manner before the airplane impacted terrain approximately 100 yards east of the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that prior to the cross country flight, which would require approximately 6 gallons of fuel to complete; he had 7 gallons of fuel in the main fuel tank and 5 gallons in the auxiliary tank. The cross country flight was uneventful; about 0.5-miles away from the airport, on the base leg, the airplane’s engine stopped developing power. The pilot reported he was unable to open the auxiliary tank valve in a timely manner before the airplane impacted terrain approximately 100 yards east of the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.