Amateur-built LANCAIR LEGACY N23PH accident near Richlands, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot's improper in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

About 3 hours 39 minutes into a cross-country flight, the pilot declared an emergency to an air traffic controller due to low fuel pressure. The controller vectored the flight to the nearest airport; however, the airplane impacted a field about 3 miles short of the runway. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and the fuel selector valve was found positioned to the left main fuel tank. Data recovered from the airplane's engine data monitor revealed that at the time of the emergency, no fuel remained in the left main fuel tank; however, approximately 20 gallons of fuel remained in the right fuel tank. The investigation could not determine why the pilot did not position the fuel selector handle to the right main fuel tank. The airplane held 67 gallons of fuel and the pilot fully fueled the airplane with 46.1 gallons prior to departure.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11FA285 for the full record.