What happened
The pilot was conducting local operations, moving his aircraft between airfields in the immediate vicinity. Weather data obtained from a nearby Flight Service Station indicated winds from the southeast at 18 knots with gusts reaching 25 knots. The pilot reported departing a sod airstrip on a southwest heading. Shortly after establishing a climb, the aircraft was struck by a wind gust. The pilot stated that the right wing dropped but he successfully leveled the wings. Immediately following this event, the engine quit. A high sink rate continued until ground impact occurred.
The pilot reported having approximately 8 gallons of fuel remaining upon departure. The aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook contains a specific caution regarding takeoffs when fuel is flowing from a nearly empty tank. This caution highlights the possibility of engine power loss and outlines procedures to follow if it occurs. The fuel access port is located at the inboard leading edge of the tank. Unstable flight attitudes tend to restrict fuel flow when the supply is low, magnifying the potential for power loss.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events described by the pilot and the mechanical implications of the reported fuel state. Examination of the aircraft's fuel system design revealed that the access port location makes the engine susceptible to starvation during maneuvers that alter the fuel's position relative to the pickup point. The low fuel quantity combined with the lateral displacement caused by the wind gust created conditions where fuel could not reach the engine.
Findings
Contributing factors included the strong crosswind conditions which induced an unstable attitude, and the critically low fuel state. The combination of these elements restricted fuel flow to the engine. The pilot's decision to operate with such a low fuel reserve during local maneuvers exposed the aircraft to the risks detailed in the operating manual regarding fuel starvation.
Safety message
Pilots must be aware that unstable flight attitudes can restrict fuel flow when the supply is low. Operating with nearly empty tanks increases the potential for engine power loss, particularly during takeoff and initial climb phases where lateral control inputs are common.