Accident Overview
On September 11, 2012, at approximately 0830 central daylight time, an amateur-built Halderman RV 6A airplane, registration N464EH, struck a fence and trees during a forced landing near the Eldon Model Airport in Eldon, Missouri. The aircraft had experienced a complete loss of engine power after takeoff. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight in visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Actions
According to a telephone interview with the pilot, who also built the airplane, the purpose of the flight was to determine the unusable fuel quantity in the right wing fuel tank. The pilot intended to fly using only the right fuel tank until the engine showed signs of fuel starvation, then switch to the left wing tank, which contained more fuel. The pilot reported having performed similar tests on other aircraft he had built to obtain accurate in-flight fuel gauge readings at low fuel states. On the accident flight, the pilot took off with the right tank selected. During a climbing turn after takeoff, the engine stopped producing power, and the airplane stalled. The pilot lowered the nose, leveled the wings, and selected a field for a forced landing. Upon landing, the airplane hit a fence and trees at the edge of the field.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft after the accident revealed that the right wing fuel tank contained approximately two gallons of fuel, while the left wing fuel tank was about half full. A post-accident inspection of the airplane and engine found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.