Taylorcraft BC12-D N96389 accident near Harrison, Maine

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed for the intended 2-hour flight with an inadequate supply of fuel resulting in fuel exhaustion. Witnesses reported hearing a sputtering engine followed by silence. While flying over a wooded area in controlled flight, the airplane collided with the tops of trees then nosed down and descended to the ground. Detailed inspection of the airplane's fuel supply system, which was not compromised, revealed a total of 4 ounces of fuel were drained from the entire airplane. Inspection of the main fuel tank fuel quantity indicator, which consisted of a cork mounted on a steel wire, revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Examination of the flight controls, engine, and engine systems also revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA422 for the full record.