On July 3, 1990, a Champion 7GCAA (registration N8326V) operated by Thomas F. Hawks was involved in an aviation accident near Ashland, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY PREFLIGHT THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK GOING UNDETECTED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that after multiple stop-and-go landings, the engine lost power during a turn to final. The airplane nosed over after a forced landing in a wheat field short of the runway. Post-accident inspection found no fuel in the tanks and fuel leakage at the strainer.
Flight and Fuel Management
The pilot reported that prior to takeoff, the fuel quantity was visually checked and found to be 30 gallons. Fifteen stop-and-go landings were performed, after which a break was taken. Upon resuming the flight, the pilot observed that the fuel quantity gauge indicated two needle widths below full.
Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing
During the second stop-and-go landing after the break, the engine lost power during the turn from base to final. A forced landing was executed in a wheat field 705 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The airplane nosed over during the landing.
Post-Accident Inspection
Post-accident inspection revealed no fuel in either wing fuel tank. Evidence of fuel leakage was noted around the fuel strainer. After the accident, two gallons of fuel were added to the fuel tanks, and the fuel gauge indicated two needle widths below full.