Diamond DA20 N212DX accident near Fort Wayne, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, and impact with a tree during an off-airport landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while conducting the preflight inspection for the first flight of the day, the fuel was at the bottom of the 1/2 mark on the wood dipstick, and the gauge also reflected the same fuel level. He added that, before taking off for the accident flight, which was the fourth flight that day, he checked the fuel gauge, and it was showing right above 1/4 tank. The pilot reported that, while on approach to land, the engine sputtered and lost all power. He retracted the flaps to extend the glide distance, but the airplane was unable to reach the runway. He then conducted an off-airport landing on a service road. Upon landing, the airplane veered left and impacted a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who examined the airplane reported that only about 16 ounces of fuel were drained from the fuel system, and no fuel leaks were found.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA569 for the full record.