Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing and Left Wing Damage

Accident Summary

A pilot reported a total loss of engine power while on a cross-country flight at cruise altitude. The pilot switched fuel tanks, and the engine restarted briefly before losing power again. Forced to land, the pilot chose a private grass airstrip. During the landing roll, the left main landing gear encountered a low spot in the ground, causing the airplane to veer left off the runway and strike a fence with the left wing. The left wing suffered substantial damage.

Postaccident Examination

Examination after the accident showed that both the right and left fuel tanks were empty. No fuel leaks were identified on the airplane.

Fuel Awareness Publication

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation has published Safety Advisor SA16-01/05 Fuel Awareness (2005). This document provides recommendations for fuel management, including:

• Know how much fuel you have, thinking in terms of hours and minutes rather than gallons or pounds; add one or two gallons per hour to computed consumption for unfamiliar airplanes.
• Know your airplane's fuel system and be proficient in its operation.
• Ensure the airplane contains the proper grade of uncontaminated fuel.
• Update fuel status regularly during flight, such as each hour, because winds and weather deviations can change fuel consumption.
• Always land with adequate reserve fuel, such as never less than one hour of fuel, to exceed regulatory requirements.