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September 11, 2012 · Halderman Floyd G RV-6A · N464EH

Eldon, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Eldon, MO
Aircraft
Halderman Floyd G RV-6A
Tail Number
N464EH
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA630

The airplane impacted a fence and trees during a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power after takeoff. The pilot/builder of the airplane reported that the purpose of the flight was to ascertain the unusable fuel quantity in the right wing fuel tank. His intent was to fly the airplane on the right fuel tank until the engine gave signs that it was running out of fuel and then switch to the left wing fuel tank which contained more fuel. He said that he had done this previously on other airplanes that he had built to get an accurate in-flight fuel gauge indication of the low fuel state. He said that on the accident flight, he took off on the right tank and as he made a climbing turn after takeoff the engine stopped producing power and the airplane stalled. He lowered the nose, leveled the wings, and selected a field in which to make a forced landing. Upon landing the airplane hit a fence and trees at the edge of the field. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the right wing fuel tank contained approximately two gallons of fuel. The left wing fuel tank was about 1/2 full. A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On September 11, 2012, about 0830 central daylight time, an amateur-built Halderman RV 6A airplane, N464EH, impacted a fence and trees during a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power after takeoff from the Eldon Model Airport, Eldon, Missouri. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. In a telephone interview, the pilot/builder of the airplane reported that the purpose of the flight was to ascertain the unusable fuel quantity in the right wing fuel tank. He said that his intent was to fly the airplane on the right fuel tank until the engine gave signs that it was running out of fuel and then switch to the left wing fuel tank which contained more fuel. He said that he had done this previously on other airplanes that he had built to get an accurate in-flight fuel gauge indication of the low fuel state. He said that on the accident flight, he took off on the right tank and as he made a climbing turn after takeoff the engine stopped producing power and the airplane stalled. He lowered the nose, leveled the wings, and selected a field in which to make a forced landing. Upon landing the airplane hit a fence and trees at the edge of the field. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the right wing fuel tank contained approximately two gallons of fuel. The left wing fuel tank was about 1/2 full. A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 CDT
Nearest AirportEldon Model Airpark (1nm)
Runway36
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHalderman Floyd G RV-6A
Tail NumberN464EH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 54
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time13:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data