Accident Details
On December 1, 2015, at approximately 1950 mountain standard time, a Pipistrel Virus motorglider, registration N145VS, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The incident occurred near Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colorado. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight without a flight plan. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed Sayre Municipal Airport (3O4) in Sayre, Oklahoma, around 1710, en route to Erie Municipal Airport (KEIK) in Erie, Colorado. During the flight, the pilot observed that the fuel level in the right tank was not changing, suggesting fuel was not draining from that tank. The remaining fuel in the left tank was insufficient to complete the original flight plan. The pilot requested a diversion to Centennial Airport. While preparing to land, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field, during which the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The lower fuselage and engine mount were substantially damaged.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airframe, engine, and fuel system was conducted under the supervision of the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge. The sight gauges for both fuel tanks and their indicated capacities were found to be accurate. Visible contaminants, consistent with insects and leaves, were recovered from the right fuel tank and fuel lines. After removal of these contaminants, fuel flowed freely from the right tank. No anomalies were identified in the engine, airframe, or remaining systems.