On 25 Nov 2011, an ANATRA BART T VANS RV-7A operated by BRADLEY DAVID was involved in an aviation accident near Quinton, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and the subsequent nose-over during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A pilot reported engine power loss 500 feet after a touch-and-go. Attempting to return in darkness, the aircraft landed short, collapsed nose gear, and flipped. Inspection revealed an empty right fuel tank.
Accident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane reported that, after performing a touch-and-go landing, the engine lost power at about 500 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but due to dark conditions, the airplane landed short of the runway. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane flipped over.
Damage and Inspection
The accident resulted in structural damage to the engine firewall, the fuselage, and the vertical stabilizer. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found that the right fuel tank was empty of fuel and was not breached. The pilot stated that the main fuel selector was positioned to the right tank when the engine lost power.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure during the accident flight.