Probable cause
The flight instructor’s failure to ensure there was adequate fuel onboard before departure, which led to a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The accident flight was an introductory lesson for the student. After departure, the flight instructor began to demonstrate basic maneuvers. About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine began sputter. He noted that the fuel gauges indicated that the tank was empty. The engine lost complete power and the flight instructor performed an off-airport landing and nosed over after encountering a ditch.
The fuel tank was found empty at the accident site. A postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Because the fuel system was intact and there was no evidence of any leaks, it is likely that the instructor was mistaken about the fuel quantity at takeoff and the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA316 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 10, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Henderson, Nevada
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Remos Acft Gmbh Flugzeugbau REMOS GX
- N-number
- N72GX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.