On June 16, 1994, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N10112) operated by Rye, Steven D. was involved in an aviation accident near Pioneer, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not refuel prior to the last aerial application flight for the morning, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot did not refuel before an aerial application flight. Fuel pressure loss occurred at 50 feet during climb. The airplane nosed over during forced landing in rough terrain, causing structural damage.
Event Overview
An aerial application flight experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot had not refueled the aircraft prior to the last flight of the morning.
Sequence of Events
During the left crosswind initial climb, at approximately 50 feet above ground level, the fuel pressure warning light illuminated. Immediately afterward, the engine lost all power. The pilot initiated a forced landing in rough terrain. During the landing, the airplane nosed over.
Damage Assessment
The nose-over resulted in structural damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and left wing.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that the airplane "ran out of fuel."
Probable cause
The pilot did not refuel prior to the last aerial application flight for the morning, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.