On August 17, 1988, a Champion 7ECA (registration N9022L) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeville, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to take off with insufficient fuel, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine stoppage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted an emergency landing after the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion, following a flight where the tanks were only one-quarter full at takeoff.
What happened
The aircraft N9022L was involved in an incident resulting from insufficient fuel management. According to the owner of the aircraft, the fuel tanks contained only one-quarter of their capacity when the pilot departed. Approximately one hour into the flight, the engine began to operate roughly before ceasing entirely. The pilot subsequently attempted a forced landing but was unable to complete it successfully.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft at the accident site and confirmed that the fuel tanks held only a residual amount of fuel. Later, the engine was subjected to a test run which was successful, indicating no mechanical failure unrelated to fuel supply.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to take off with insufficient fuel, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine stoppage.