What happened
The pilot and mechanic were conducting an annual inspection of the aircraft. During the process, they were flight testing the plane to identify any existing defects. While attempting to land in a bean field, the engine stopped. The left tire blew out upon impact with the ground, causing the left landing gear to dig into the soil and collapse.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the left tank, which was completely empty. The right tank still contained approximately 13 gallons of fuel. The pilot reported that the owner had not informed him that the fuel quantity gauges were inaccurate. He stated that the gauges indicated three-quarters full when he initially took off, but the engine lost power shortly thereafter.
Findings
The investigation determined that fuel exhaustion was the primary factor in the accident. The pilot admitted to forgetting to switch fuel tanks after losing engine power. Additionally, the inaccurate fuel quantity gauges contributed to the situation, as the pilot relied on them without knowing they were faulty. The failure to monitor fuel levels correctly and the lack of communication regarding gauge accuracy led to the engine stoppage.
Safety message
Pilots must verify the accuracy of aircraft instruments, particularly fuel gauges, before flight. Clear communication between owners and mechanics regarding known defects is essential for safety.