Air Creation TANARG N912TJ accident near Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft reported that he departed with 6 gallons of fuel onboard the airplane and that he estimated that the fuel burn was 3 gallons per hour. He added that, during the flight, he performed multiple climbs and descents, and he believed the aircraft burned more fuel than usual. He added that, about 1 hour 15 minutes into the flight, the engine lost power. He restarted the engine momentarily, but it then lost power again. He attempted to restart the engine multiple times to no avail. During the forced landing, he attempted to land the aircraft on a field, but it impacted terrain about 15 yards short of the intended landing site.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot added that, after visiting the hospital, he went back to look at the aircraft and did not see any fuel in the fuel tank.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA181 for the full record.