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NTSB Report
April 10, 2020 · Pitts S2 B · N487J
Fort Worth, TX
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 10, 2020
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Fort Worth, TX
Aircraft
Pitts S2 B (1987)
Tail Number
N487J
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA146
The pilot reported that, during his preflight inspection, he determined that the fuel tank was about 1/2 full (12 gallons). After the airplane departed the airport and reached about 1,300 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot turned back to the airport and chose a field for a forced landing. The airplane landed hard, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane then flipped over and came to rest upside down, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tank contained about 1 gallon of fuel. Following the accident, the pilot stated that he realized he had misread the fuel gauge and that there were only about 3 gallons of fuel onboard at takeoff. Based on this information, it is likely the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel level, 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 the fuel tank was about half full of fuel. After the airplane departed the airport and reached about 1,300 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot turned back to the airport and selected a field for a forced landing, but realized the airplane was not able to glide to that field and so he selected a closer field. The airplane landed hard and nosed over, which damaged the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed the fuel tank contained about 1 gallon of fuel. Following the accident, the pilot stated he misread the fuel gauge.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:44 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPitts S2 B
Tail NumberN487J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-540-D4A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC