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NTSB Report

January 19, 2009 · Ryan Navion · N4443K

Three Forks, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 19, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Three Forks, MT
Aircraft
Ryan Navion
Tail Number
N4443K
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA092

The pilot reported that prior to departure he noted that both wing tip tanks were full of fuel and that the main tank was at least 2/3 full, giving adequate fuel for the flight. After takeoff, the pilot repositioned the fuel selector to draw fuel from the right tip tank, and later, while en route, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tip tank. Approaching the destination airport, the pilot became somewhat distracted while talking with a passenger. He did not follow the prelanding checklist and failed to reposition the fuel selector to the main tank, which contained adequate fuel. When the airplane was about 2.5 miles from the airport, all engine power was lost. The pilot then repositioned the fuel selector to draw fuel from the main tank; however, engine power was not restored as the airplane descended from the traffic pattern. The pilot made a forced landing on the underlying rough terrain. During roll out, the airplane collided with vegetation and a wing broke.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel system management. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's diverted attention and failure to perform the prelanding checklist.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that prior to departure he noted that both wing tip tanks were full of fuel and the main tank was at least 2/3 full, giving adequate fuel for the flight. After takeoff the pilot repositioned the fuel selector to draw fuel from the right tip tank, and later while en route, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tip tank. Approaching the destination airport, the pilot became somewhat distracted while talking with a passenger. He did not follow the prelanding checklist and failed to reposition the fuel selector to the main tank, which contained adequate fuel. When the airplane was about 2.5 miles from the airport, all engine power was lost. The pilot then repositioned the fuel selector to draw fuel from the main tank; however, engine power was not restored as the airplane descended from the traffic pattern. The pilot made a forced landing on the underlying rough terrain. During roll out, the airplane collided with vegetation and a wing broke.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 MST
Nearest AirportThree Forks (1nm)
Runway20
Runway Length5100 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRyan Navion
Tail NumberN4443K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data