Accident Overview
On September 10, 2011, at about 1315 central daylight time, a Fairchild M-62A-3 (registration N103JC) experienced a total loss of engine power during an airshow fly-by at Waukegan Regional Airport (UGN), Waukegan, Illinois. The pilot executed an off-airport landing on a field. The certificated airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The airplane was registered to the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum and operated by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an airshow flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight that originated from UGN.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he and a second CAF pilot preflighted the airplane for the flight from Waukesha County Airport (UES), Waukesha, Wisconsin, to UGN. During the preflight, the right fuel tank gauge indicated about 7/8 full, and the left fuel tank gauge indicated about 1/4 full. The airplane was started and flown for approximately 30 minutes on the right fuel tank for the flight to UGN. After landing, with the airplane shutdown, the right tank fuel gauge indicated 3/4 full.
Prior to the next flight, which was for the fly-by portion of the airshow, the pilot performed a preflight inspection. He noted that the right fuel tank gauge indicated 3/4 full and the left fuel gauge indicated 1/4 full. The right fuel tank was used for the second flight. The second CAF pilot was not aboard during the second flight.
While performing the fly-by, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while on the downwind to base leg for runway 5 (6,000 feet by 150 feet) at about 500 feet above ground level. The pilot stated that he established best glide speed and immediately turned toward the runway but later determined he would be unable to reach it safely due to air traffic on short final for the runway. He then attempted an off-airport landing on a field. During touchdown, the airplane experienced a hard landing due to the "topography, terrain, and brush."
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed no usable fuel in the right fuel tank. The fuel screen from the gascolator at the firewall did not contain fuel; the screen was clean and free of foreign material. The engine-driven fuel pump was rotated and noted to prime and draw fuel from a bucket. The screen from the base of the carburetor was removed, and no fuel drained; there was no material in the screen that would block fuel flow. The carburetor throttle plate operated to its set limits. The accelerator pump cavity did not have any fuel. Throttle and mixture control continuity was noted. The total amount of fuel removed from the airplane was about 1 pint.
Pilot's Safety Recommendation
The pilot stated as a safety recommendation on how the accident could have been prevented: "More effective group communication and vigilance and training related to cross checking of fueling procedures and tracking flight time between pilot operators within the group operating the aircraft. Improving communication or awareness looking for or being alerted to possible broken or inoperative equipment on the aircraft between pilots/operator of the aircraft within the group."
According to Federal Aviation Administration publication, Time in Your Tanks, P-8740-03: "Fuel gauges are subject to malfunctions and errors. Therefore, unless restricted by the gross weight or center of gravity limits, it is considered good judgment to 'top off' the tanks at fuel stops. If the fuel load must be limited, you should endeavor to get an accurate measurement of fuel quantity by using a dipstick calibrated for the aircraft."