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May 25, 2019 · Champion 8KCAB No Series · N68557

Fredericksburg, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 2019
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Fredericksburg, TX
Aircraft
Champion 8KCAB No Series (1972)
Tail Number
N68557
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN19LA153

The pilot and passenger were conducting a cross-country flight following the airplane's annual inspection. During cruise flight, the flight experienced higher-than-forecast wind and the pilot was concerned about fuel quantity, so he diverted to a nearby airport. During the diversion, the engine lost power and the airplane was substantially damaged during the subsequent forced landing. A postaccident examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty. An examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; therefore, the loss of engine power is consistent with fuel exhaustion.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Task performance-Planning/preparation-Flight planning/navigation-Pilot

Full Narrative

On May 25, 2019, about 1335 central daylight time, a Champion 8KCAB airplane, N68557, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field near Fredericksburg, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight. The cross-country flight originated from Aero Country Airport (T31), McKinney, Texas, about 1105, and was en route to Boerne Stage Field Airport (5C1), San Antonio, Texas. The pilot stated that the annual inspection had just been completed on the airplane. After the completion of the maintenance, the pilot flew a test flight and stated that there were no issues or anomalies with the airplane during that flight. The pilot estimated his flight time to 5C1 at 2.5 hours and stated that the airplane had 30 gallons of fuel at the time of takeoff. The pilot reported that during cruise flight, they experienced higher-than-forecast wind and he was concerned about his fuel quantity. He diverted towards Gillespie County Airport (T82), Fredericksburg, Texas, and shortly thereafter, the engine lost power. During the forced landing the airplane collided with tree stumps and nosed over. The wings and empennage were substantially damaged. A postaccident examination revealed that both fuel tanks were empty. An examination of the engine, and fuel system revealed no mechanical anomalies that would preclude normal operations. In addition, the pilot stated that there were no suspected mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:35 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 8KCAB No Series
Tail NumberN68557
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-360H1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data