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June 3, 2016 · Smith Capella FW2R XLS · N418DS

Alamo, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Alamo, TX
Aircraft
Smith Capella FW2R XLS (1999)
Tail Number
N418DS
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA207

The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to use most of the fuel remaining in the fuel tanks so that he could store the airplane over the summer. While returning to the airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. During the subsequent forced landing to a small field, the airplane hit a tree, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot stated that when the airplane was recovered, both fuel tanks were empty.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted in a forced landing and a collision with a tree.

Full Narrative

On June 3, 2016, about 1030 central daylight time, a Smith Capella Aircraft FW2R/XLS airplane, N418DS, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Alamo, Texas. The commercial pilot had minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight departed McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE), McAllen, Texas, about 0900, and was returning to MFE at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to use most of the fuel in the airplane, as he was going to park the airplane over the summer. In the past the automotive gasoline had "gummed up" his system sitting in the heat over the summer. The pilot flew to South Texas International Airport (EBG), Edinburg, Texas, landed, called his wife, departed and conducted a touch and go landing, and then returned to MFE. EBG was 17 miles north of MFE. The airplane was at 2,500 feet above ground level and about 8 miles from the airport when the engine lost power. The pilot continued to fly the airplane towards the airport looking for a place to land while attempting to restore engine power. As he approached the airport his options diminished and during the forced landing to a small field the airplane hit a tree resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage of the airplane. The pilot stated that when the airplane was recovered, both fuel tanks were empty. He stated that he was confident that he just ran out of fuel resulting in the loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSmith Capella FW2R XLS
Tail NumberN418DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912UL · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 98 · Sprt · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time14:53

Appendix: Source Data