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NTSB Report

June 3, 2005 · David S Robbins Christavia MK 1 · N524J

Decherd, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Decherd, TN
Aircraft
David S Robbins Christavia MK 1
Tail Number
N524J
Operator
David S Robbins
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL05CA095

The pilot performed a preflight inspection but stated that he failed to visually check the fuel quantity in the tanks. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the engine started sputtering and the pilot turned on the electric fuel pump. The engine lost power and efforts by the pilot to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot located a pasture for an emergency landing and was approximately 50 feet above the ground when he banked hard to the right to avoid four poles sticking out of the ground. As the pilot continued to maneuver for the emergency landing, the airplane collided with the ground. The post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel gauge was on 'E' and there was no fuel recovered from the fuel tanks. The examination of the airplane also revealed that the fuel tanks were not breached.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On June 3, 2005 at 1830 central daylight time, an experimental Christavia MK 1, N524J, collided with the ground while attempting an emergency landing in Decherd, Tennessee. The flight operated under provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The pilot suffered minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Winchester Municipal Airport, Winchester, Tennessee on June 3, 2005 at 1800. The purpose of the flight was to practice for a biennial flight review. The pilot said he performed a preflight inspection but stated that he "failed to visually check the fuel quantity in the tanks." On departure, the fuel gauge read 1/2 full. After 25 minutes of flying, the pilot noticed a minor reduction in engine RPM. The fuel gauge read 3/8 full and the pilot applied carburetor heat. A few minutes later the engine started sputtering and the pilot turned on the electric fuel pump. The pilot stated that the engine failed and he was unsuccessful in restarting it. The pilot located a pasture for an emergency landing and was approximately 50 feet above the ground when he banked hard to the right to avoid four poles sticking out of the ground. The airplane collided with the ground. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunction with the airplane prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed the right wing spar broken, all the landing gear detached, the propeller bent, engine compartment crushed and belly of the fuselage crushed. The fuel gauge was on 'E' and there was no fuel recovered from the fuel tanks. The examination of the airplane also revealed that the fuel tanks were not breached.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDavid S Robbins Christavia MK 1
Tail NumberN524J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid S Robbins
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time23:23
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data