Probable cause
The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he departed with 14 gallons of fuel onboard the airplane. He added that he diverted to an airport 15 miles away from the destination airport due to ground fog, and while en route, about 2 hours 25 minutes after departure, the engine "died from lack of gas." Subsequently, he landed the airplane in a field.
The pilot further reported that he estimated that the fuel tank had "maybe an 1/8 cup" and that a "tablespoon may be more accurate."
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left aileron, and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Corry, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built TORNADO 912
- N-number
- N912R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.