What happened
The pilot departed from Newport News, Virginia, on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight destined for South Boston, Virginia. As dusk approached, the pilot contacted the Roanoke Flight Service Station (FSS) to request an accurate fix of his position. At that time, he indicated that he was low on fuel. FSS personnel noted that the aircraft lacked a transponder and was below the altitude required for radar identification. Consequently, the pilot was instructed to tune his VOR for radial cross-checks. He was subsequently provided with vectors to Lynchburg, Virginia.
During the arrival phase, the pilot yielded right-of-way to another aircraft that was not in radio contact with the FSS. While on final approach to South Boston, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft touched down approximately 100 feet short of the runway.
The investigation
Post-accident, the pilot reported that he did not visually inspect the fuel tanks before departing Newport News. He also verified that he was tracking inbound to South Boston when he contacted the FSS in flight and stated that he was not lost.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the incident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to perform a pre-flight inspection of the fuel tanks, which likely resulted in insufficient fuel for the flight. Additionally, the aircraft was not equipped with a transponder, complicating air traffic control assistance during the emergency.
Safety message
Pilots must conduct thorough pre-flight inspections, including visual checks of fuel quantities, to ensure adequate fuel is onboard for the planned flight and any potential contingencies.