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May 7, 2004 · Branham Vans RV-6 · N29KB

Paragonah, UT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 7, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Paragonah, UT
Aircraft
Branham Vans RV-6
Tail Number
N29KB
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04LA069

The pilot stated he visually inspected the fuel tanks and determined the right tank was just over 1/2 full, and the left tank was approximately 1/4 full, for an estimated total of 16 gallons. The pilot wrote, "A visual check confirmed fuel, but it is difficult to judge [the] amount visually." At a fuel consumption rate of 10 gallons per hour, the pilot estimated he had at least 1.5 hours endurance, which would allow him to complete the flight. The pilot flew for 25 minutes on the right tank, flew 25 minutes on the left tank, then switched back to the right tank. Shortly thereafter, the right fuel gauge registered empty. The pilot switched back to the left tank and "about 12 miles [from his destination] the tank went dry." The engine lost power shortly thereafter, and he made a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the left wing tip struck a berm and was sheared off. The left fuel tank was breached, the firewall was buckled, and the engine separated from the firewall. The pilot said that he "should have had enough fuel for the trip but unfortunately that proved not to be the case."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning/decision which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power. The berm and the pilot not stopping to refuel the airplane were contributing factors.

Full Narrative

On May 7, 2004, approximately 1230 mountain daylight time, a Branham Vans RV-6, N29KB, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a power loss 7 miles north of Paragonah, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant on board, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Provo, Utah, at 1130, and was en route to Parowan, Utah. In his accident report, the pilot stated that he inspected the fuel tanks prior to departure and determined the right tank was slightly more than 1/2 full, and the left tank was approximately 1/4 full, for an estimated total of 16 gallons. The pilot wrote, "A visual check confirmed fuel, but it is difficult to judge [the] amount visually." At a fuel consumption rate of 10 gallons per hour, the pilot estimated he had at least 1.5 hours endurance, which would allow him to complete the flight. The pilot flew for 25 minutes on the right tank, then flew for 25 minutes on the left tank. He then switched back to the right tank. As the airplane passed Beaver, Utah, the right fuel gauge registered empty and the pilot switched to the left tank. "About 12 miles out of Parawan the tank went dry," and the engine lost power. The pilot made a forced landing in an open field. During the landing, the left wing tip was sheared off, the left fuel tank was breached, the firewall was buckled, and the engine separated from the firewall.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBranham Vans RV-6
Tail NumberN29KB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 15 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data