What happened
A flight instructor and a pre-solo student were involved in an accident that occurred approximately one-half mile from the Hazel Green Airport. The aircraft had been in operation for about one hour since its original takeoff from Huntsville, Alabama. During the flight, the instructor pilot noted that there were roughly 12 gallons of fuel on board when departing from Huntsville.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the wreckage of the aircraft. The examination revealed that only a small quantity of fuel remained in the fuel system at the time of the crash. This finding was critical in determining the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was fuel exhaustion. Despite the instructor's report of having 12 gallons on board at the initial takeoff, the minimal amount of fuel found in the system after the flight suggests that the aircraft ran out of fuel during operation. This led to the loss of engine power and the subsequent crash near Hazel Green Airport.
Safety message
This incident highlights the importance of accurate fuel management and monitoring during flights. Pilots should ensure they have sufficient fuel reserves and regularly check fuel levels to prevent exhaustion, especially during extended operations.