24 May 2018: AMERICAN AA 1

24 May 2018: AMERICAN AA 1 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Port Orange, FL, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after departure, about 1000 ft. above ground level, the engine sustained a total power loss. While searching for an off-airport landing spot, he made a right turn towards the airport, positioned the fuel selector knob towards the second tank and attempted to restart the engine. The engine restarted briefly but lost power. He attempted to restart the engine again after he repositioned the fuel selector back to the original tank, but the engine did not start. He forced landed the airplane in a field with trees and heavy vegetation two miles west of the airport.

The pilot added that he "should have made a positive determination of fuel on board prior to takeoff."

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

A postaccident examination by the FAA revealed no distinctive fuel odor at the accident site and only a cup of fuel was recovered from both tanks.

Contributing factors

cause Fluid level
cause Pilot
Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 080/10kt, vis 10sm

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