What happened
The pilot and the aircraft owner believed there was sufficient fuel remaining for approximately one hour of aerial application work. Approximately 45 minutes after takeoff, during a procedure turn, the engine lost power. The pilot reported attempting to start the engine but noted that the aircraft was too low to allow sufficient time for the process. After clearing a power line, the aircraft stalled at an altitude of about 50 feet.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that no fuel remained in the tanks. This finding confirmed that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot's account of insufficient time to restart the engine while low to the ground is consistent with the physical reality of an empty fuel system.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the depletion of the fuel supply. The aircraft was operating on fumes, leading to a complete loss of power during a critical phase of flight near the ground. The inability to restart the engine was a direct consequence of the lack of fuel pressure and flow required for ignition.
Safety message
Pilots conducting aerial application or other intensive flight operations must accurately calculate fuel requirements before takeoff. Relying on estimates rather than precise measurements can lead to catastrophic fuel exhaustion, particularly when operating at low altitudes where recovery options are limited.