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October 7, 2022 · Zenith Aircraft CH 750 NO Series · N550ZF

Libby, MN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Libby, MN
Aircraft
Zenith Aircraft CH 750 NO Series (2010)
Tail Number
N550ZF
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA010

The pilot was conducting a personal flight when the airplane had a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot stated that the flight departed with about 16 gallons of fuel distributed evenly between the left- and right-wing tanks, and both fuel tank gauges indicated about ¾ full before departure. About 30-45 minutes into the flight, the pilot noted that the left fuel tank gauge indicated about ¼ full while the right fuel tank gauge remained about ¾ full. The pilot decided to reposition the fuel selector valve to the right fuel tank to correct the fuel imbalance. The pilot stated that the location of his Apple iPad in the cockpit blocked his view of the right fuel tank gauge, so he made a “mental note” to check the right fuel tank gauge in about 30-45 minutes. The pilot reported that the flight continued uneventfully at 300 ft above ground level until the airplane had a total loss of engine power due to a lack of fuel in the right fuel tank. The engine did not restart after the pilot repositioned the fuel selector valve to BOTH, turned on the electric fuel boost pump, and engaged the electric starter. Both wings were substantially damaged during the subsequent forced landing in a wooded area. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred significantly reduced the amount of time available to the pilot to troubleshoot and restore engine power before the forced landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper fuel management, which led to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred.

Full Narrative

The pilot was conducting a personal flight when the airplane had a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot stated that the flight departed with about 16 gallons of fuel distributed evenly between the left- and right-wing tanks, and both fuel tank gauges indicated about ¾ full before departure. About 30-45 minutes into the flight, the pilot noted that the left fuel tank gauge indicated about ¼ full while the right fuel tank gauge remained about ¾ full. The pilot decided to reposition the fuel selector valve to the right fuel tank to correct the fuel imbalance. The pilot stated that the location of his Apple iPad in the cockpit blocked his view of the right fuel tank gauge, so he made a “mental note” to check the right fuel tank gauge in about 30-45 minutes. The pilot reported that the flight continued uneventfully at 300 ft above ground level until the airplane had a total loss of engine power due to a lack of fuel in the right fuel tank. The engine did not restart after the pilot repositioned the fuel selector valve to BOTH, turned on the electric fuel boost pump, and engaged the electric starter. Both wings were substantially damaged during the subsequent forced landing in a wooded area. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred significantly reduced the amount of time available to the pilot to troubleshoot and restore engine power before the forced landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftZenith Aircraft CH 750 NO Series
Tail NumberN550ZF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 79 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.42 inHg
Observation Time16:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data