What happened
The incident occurred during an aerial application flight when the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power. This failure was attributed to fuel exhaustion. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure and successfully touched down in a nearby corn field.
Prior to the takeoff phase, the pilot conducted a visual inspection of the fuel quantity. Based on this visual assessment, the pilot believed there was sufficient fuel to complete the planned mission. The fuel gauge indicated a reading of 35 gallons before departure. Post-accident examination revealed that the fuel gauge still displayed 35 gallons, suggesting a potential discrepancy between the gauge reading and the actual fuel volume available in the tanks.
The investigation
Investigation into the mechanical state of the aircraft focused on the fuel system and the pilot's pre-flight procedures. The primary finding was the confirmation of fuel exhaustion as the cause of power loss. The persistence of the 35-gallon reading on the gauge after the crash raised questions about the accuracy of the fuel measurement instruments or the reliability of visual checks alone for determining adequate fuel reserves.
Findings
The investigation highlighted several critical factors contributing to the accident:
- Fuel exhaustion was the direct cause of the engine failure.
- The pilot's reliance on visual fuel checks and gauge readings proved insufficient to prevent the depletion of usable fuel.
- The discrepancy between the pre-flight and post-crash gauge readings indicates that the instrument may not have accurately reflected the actual fuel state during flight.
Safety message
This incident underscores the importance of accurate fuel management. Pilots should not rely solely on visual checks or potentially unreliable gauge readings for critical fuel decisions, especially in aerial application operations where low-level flying and extended endurance are common.