Amateur-built WAG-AEROSPORTSMAN2+2 N124SN accident near Milica, Minnesota

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel management.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, he and his passenger had flown for approximately 1.5 hours before returning to his airport for landing. Prior to landing, the pilot became distracted by another aircraft within the vicinity of the airport and he forgot to switch to "both" tanks on the fuel selector. During the landing, the airplane bounced and the pilot executed a go-around in order to perform "a better landing." While executing the go-around the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway; however, the airplane touched down in a field and the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported that he forgot to switch fuel tanks during the flight and that was the reason the engine lost power. Examination of the airplane revealed the left main wing spar was bent.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA254 for the full record.