Accident Details
On July 15, 2014, at approximately 2115 eastern daylight time, a Pipistrel ALPHA Trainer, registration N10PU, was substantially damaged during a forced landing while approaching Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP) in Pompano Beach, Florida. The commercial pilot and the passenger were not injured. The local flight originated at Antiquers Aerodrome (FD08) in Delray Beach, Florida, and was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the preflight inspection indicated 45% of fuel capacity, or 5.7 of 12.7 usable gallons. This was determined by viewing panel indicators and dipping the tank, noting the fuel level just below the half-way mark on the dip stick. No water or grit was found. The pilot calculated a flight duration of 1 hour, with fuel consumption of 3.6 gallons based on performance criteria.
After takeoff, the pilot flew southbound at 500 to 600 feet to South Beach, then turned northbound to return to FD08. During the northbound leg, the pilot contacted Boca Raton Tower and received approval for direct routing to FD08. While climbing to pattern altitude and turning toward the airport, the engine abruptly stopped. The pilot turned toward PMP, advised Boca Raton Tower of the intended landing, and attempted an engine restart without success.
The pilot descended from 600 feet, making deliberate shallow turns to align for landing on runway 28. The runway was in sight when the left wing impacted a tree between the Pompano Golf Course and the airport perimeter fence. The airplane yawed left, struck the fence, and came to rest on it. The cockpit GPS logged 0.9 hours from FD08 to PMP.
Post-Accident Inspection
The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found no fuel in the tanks or lines, and no evidence of fuel leakage.