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May 30, 2019 · Pipistrel Alpha Trainer No Series · N40EN

Salida, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 30, 2019
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Salida, CO
Aircraft
Pipistrel Alpha Trainer No Series (2014)
Tail Number
N40EN
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA295

The pilot reported that, after fueling the airplane, he did not realize that he had not replaced the fuel cap. During takeoff, the fuel gauge showed that the airplane had 74% of fuel remaining. About 5 nautical miles from the destination airport, the fuel gauge showed that the airplane had 10% of fuel remaining. He flew the airplane in a straight line to the end of the runway and reduced the engine throttle setting to idle, which set up a lower glidepath than normal. When the airplane reached a field west of the runway, the airplane "ran out of fuel." The pilot conducted a forced landing on the field, during which the airplane impacted a fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the wreckage reported that less than 1/2 a gallon of fuel was recovered from the fuel tank. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to replace the fuel cap after fueling, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing to a field and subsequent collision with a fence.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, after fueling the airplane, he did not realize that he did not replace the fuel cap. During takeoff, the fuel gauge showed that the airplane had 74% of fuel (fuel gauge indicates in percent). About 5 nm from the destination airport, the fuel gauge showed that the airplane had 10% of fuel left. He flew the airplane in a straight line to the end of the runway and reduced the engine throttle setting to idle, which set up a lower glide path than normal. When the airplane reached the field west of the runway, the airplane "ran out of fuel." The airplane touched down on the field and impacted a barb wire fence during the landing roll. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and reported that less than half a gallon of fuel was recovered from the fuel tank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:45 MDT
Nearest AirportSalida Arpt Harriett Alexander (1nm WSW)
Runway06
Runway Length7351 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPipistrel Alpha Trainer No Series
Tail NumberN40EN
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912 UL2 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data