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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 29, 2017 · Vans RV7 A · N712RL

Itasca, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Itasca, TX
Aircraft
Vans RV7 A (2004)
Tail Number
N712RL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN17CA371

The pilot reported that, during his preflight inspection, he perceived that both fuel tanks were full. Based on previous flights, full fuel tanks allowed for about 5 hours of flight endurance. About 4 hours after departure, the pilot noticed a low fuel quantity on the cockpit gauges but continued the flight toward the planned destination airport. Several minutes later, the engine lost power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane impacted a power line and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks contained no usable fuel. Following the accident, the pilot stated he should have landed earlier to refuel. He also discovered that a co-owner had not filled the fuel tanks after the previous flight, as he had expected.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection, he perceived both fuel tanks were full. Based on previous flights, full fuel tanks allowed for about five hours of endurance. About four hours after departure, the pilot noticed a low fuel quantity on cockpit gages, but continued the flight toward the planned destination airport. Several minutes later, the engine lost power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane impacted a power line and nosed-over, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Postaccident examination revealed the airplane fuel tanks contained no useable fuel. Following the accident, the pilot stated he should have landed earlier to refuel. He also discovered that a co-owner had not filled the fuel tanks after the previous flight, as he expected.

Flight

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

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV7 A
Tail NumberN712RL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 64 F
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data