Accident Summary
On July 26, 2024, about 1322 eastern daylight time, a Aero Commander 200D, registration N326WR, was substantially damaged in an accident near Valdosta, Georgia. The commercial pilot/flight instructor and a pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
According to the pilot-in-command (PIC), three days before the accident, he scheduled and witnessed the topping off of all four fuel tanks. Subsequently, he flew the airplane three times around the traffic pattern at Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field, Atlanta, Georgia, with the fuel selector on the left main tank. On the accident day, with about 70 gallons of fuel, he flew uneventfully to Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD), using various fuel selector positions including the right main tank. After landing, he secured the airplane, then briefed the pilot-rated passenger on the airplane and preflight inspection.
Both then boarded for a familiarization flight. They departed with the fuel selector on the right main tank. After climbing to 5,500 ft mean sea level, they switched to the left auxiliary tank and performed airwork. About 50 minutes later, they returned to VLD, with approach and landing using the right main tank. After taxiing back, based on the fuel quantity indicator showing about 14 gallons in the right main tank, they elected to depart with the selector on that tank. Shortly after turning onto the downwind leg, the engine lost power, regained momentarily, then lost power completely. The auxiliary fuel pump was turned on, and the PIC directed the pilot-rated passenger to move the fuel selector while he took control. He turned toward the airport but then diverted to a field for a forced landing. The pilot-rated passenger reported the airplane bounced after contacting a road before stopping abruptly.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed the right main fuel tank was empty. With electrical power applied and no fuel, the right main tank quantity gauge indicated 18 gallons. Further inspection found the upper and lower sides of the right main tank compressed in the center, with no adjacent damage to the wing skins. The right main fuel tank vent line showed extensive blockage due to an insect nest. The tank crushing trapped the fuel sending unit arm, causing it to display more fuel than actually present.