Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, she and the pilot-rated passenger both visually checked the fuel and reported that there was about 13-14 gallons. The fuel gauge showed over half in both fuel tanks. The purpose of the flight was to practice touch-and-go landings. During the last planned touch-and-go landing the fuel gauge indicated on the quarter mark for both fuel tanks. After takeoff and while on upwind, about 300 ft above the ground, the engine lost total power. The pilot then transferred control of the airplane to the pilot-rated passenger, and he maneuvered the airplane for landing towards an empty helipad. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane impacted a ditch and nosed over. The empennage impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage. The owner of the airplane reported that he estimated the airplane had about 8 gallons of fuel remaining based on the airplane’s recent flight history. The pilot who flew the airplane prior to the accident stated that he returned with about 7 gallons of fuel onboard. The owner reported that the accident flight time was 1 hour and 27 minutes. The owner estimated the fuel rate used and reported that it exceeded the fuel on board for the flight time. The airplane was not refueled before the accident flight. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.