Amateur-built RV 6A N555TN accident near Rome, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot stated that, during the preflight inspection, he used a dipstick to measure fuel quantity; the right tank contained 3 gallons, and the left tank contained 6 gallons. He noted that the fuel level was low but determined that it was adequate for two or three touch-and-go landings. The pilot departed with the fuel selector positioned to the left tank, where it remained for the entire flight. After one landing and one low approach, the engine experienced a total loss of power while the airplane was on an extended left crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern. The pilot performed a 180° left turn toward the opposite direction runway. After an unsuccessful attempt to restart the engine, the pilot determined that the airplane would not be able to glide to the runway and performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Both fuel tanks remained intact. About 1.5 gallons of fuel was present in the left fuel tank. The right fuel tank was absent of fuel, and no fuel was present in the fuel strainer. Each fuel tank had a capacity of 19 gallons, of which about 1 gallon in each tank was unusable.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA344 for the full record.