What happened
The accident occurred while the pilot was conducting an aerial application flight. During the operation, the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power. In response to the emergency, the pilot initiated a forced landing in a soft field. As the aircraft rolled out on the ground, it nosed over.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine components was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. The inspection provided clear evidence that the engine had experienced fuel exhaustion. Further analysis of the fuel system revealed a discrepancy between the indicated fuel quantity and the actual amount available. Specifically, the fuel gauge registered 15 gallons remaining in the tanks at the time of the incident, despite the tanks being completely empty.
Findings
The investigation identified several key factors contributing to the accident sequence:
- Fuel exhaustion was the primary cause of the power loss.
- The fuel gauge provided inaccurate readings, indicating fuel presence when none existed.
- The aircraft nosed over during the landing roll on soft terrain following the power failure.
Safety message
Pilots conducting aerial application operations should verify fuel quantities through multiple methods rather than relying solely on instrument gauges. Regular maintenance checks of fuel system components are essential to ensure accurate readings and prevent unexpected power loss.