10 Apr 2020: Pitts S2 B

10 Apr 2020: Pitts S2 B — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Fort Worth, TX, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the fuel level, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection, he perceived the fuel tank was about half full of fuel. After the airplane departed the airport and reached about 1,300 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot turned back to the airport and selected a field for a forced landing, but realized the airplane was not able to glide to that field and so he selected a closer field. The airplane landed hard and nosed over, which damaged the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed the fuel tank contained about 1 gallon of fuel. Following the accident, the pilot stated he misread the fuel gauge.

Contributing factors

cause Pilot
cause Inadequate inspection
cause Fluid level

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 160/06kt, vis 10sm

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