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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 18, 2018 · Wilhelm Puslar III · N332RP

Salton City, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 18, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Salton City, CA
Aircraft
Wilhelm Puslar III (1999)
Tail Number
N332RP
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR18TA122

The pilot reported that, after about 30 minutes of flight, the engine suddenly lost total power. He attempted to start the engine several times; however, it would not sustain power. The pilot performed a forced landing to desert terrain, during which the airplane impacted a small berm, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the left fuel tank, which contained no fuel. The fuel quantity gauge indicated that the left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank was about 1/4 full. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane and stated that if he had "read the checklist," he might have been able to restart the engine. It is likely that the pilot's mismanagement of the fuel during the flight resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to perform the loss of engine power emergency procedures, which likely would have restored engine power.

Full Narrative

On April 18, 2018, about 0830 Pacific daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Puslar III airplane, N332RP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Salton City, California. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight around 6,700 ft for about 30 minutes when the engine suddenly lost power. He attempted to start the engine several times; however, it would not sustain power. Unable to glide to the nearest airport, the pilot performed a forced landing on open, desert terrain. The airplane impacted a small berm which substantially damaged the fuselage. revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the left fuel tank; upon visual examination, there was no fuel present in the left fuel tank. The fuel quantity gauge indicated that the on-scene examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank was about 1/4 full. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane and stated that, if had he read the checklist, checked the fuel gauge, or checked the fuel selector valve and tuned on the electric pump, the accident may have been avoided.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 PDT
Nearest AirportSalton Sea Airport (1nm WSW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWilhelm Puslar III
Tail NumberN332RP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 3300 · Reciprocating · 120
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 80 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point21 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time15:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data