Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot added about 5 gallons of automotive gasoline to the aircraft fuel tank before departing on a local flight. Witnesses observed the amphibious airplane flying low, and the engine lost power. The airplane then struck power lines and crashed in an open field. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a pre-existing mechanical malfunction or failure. An aircraft recovery parachute was found partially deployed within the wreckage. An examination of the aircraft fuel lines revealed only a small amount of residual fuel. The fuel tank contained only residual fuel and was not breached.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA584 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 30, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Granite Quarry, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
BUCCANEER II
- N-number
- N710WP
- 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.