Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane departed with 17.5 gallons of fuel and about 1 hour and 25 minutes after departure the engine lost power. He attempted to restart the engine using the boost pump to no avail. The pilot elected to make an off-airport landing to a road; during the landing the airplane landed hard and the left main landing gear collapsed resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the firewall.
Both the wing fuel tanks were examined and no evidence of fuel remained in either tank. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported as a safety recommendation that more thoughtfully studying the fuel consumption "break in" period could have prevented the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA090 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 19, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hickory Valley, Tennessee
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built A
- N-number
- N113A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- 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.