Probable cause
The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, prior to departing on the 1-hour flight, he added 5 gallons of fuel to both the left and right fuel tanks and visually estimated the total fuel on board to be 23 gallons. About 4 minutes from the destination airport, the engine began to sputter. The pilot noticed that the right fuel tank gauge indicated empty, and the left indicated one-quarter full. The pilot then switched the fuel selector from the right tank to the left and proceeded to fly at a reduced power setting, but the engine began to sputter again, and the pilot selected a field in which to perform a forced landing. The airplane landed between two trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA055 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 30, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Folkston, Georgia
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VANS AIRCRAFT RV10
- N-number
- N968TP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.