18 Nov 2018: JABIRU J230-SP

18 Nov 2018: JABIRU J230-SP — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Center, TX, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that prior to departure, he overlooked a NOTAM which identified that fuel was not available at the airport where he had landed and had planned to refuel. He assessed his fuel quantity and departed the airport, subsequently, the engine lost power. He pitched the nose down, the engine regained power, but the pilot realized that the fuel supply was all but exhausted.

He attempted to maintain power and altitude, but eventually selected a field to land. He selected a touchdown point and circled to land, but the airplane did not complete the turn before he had to level the wings. The airplane touched down gently, but the airplane overran the intended landing area, collided with a drainage culvert, and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the composite fuselage and the windscreen.

The pilot determined that he had misinterpreted the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook's declaration of the airplane's total fuel capacity and the airplane's total useable fuel quantity.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Fluid level
  • factor Pilot
  • factor Related operating info

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 320/11kt, vis 10sm

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