What happened
On July 26, 2024, at approximately 13:22 EDT, an Aero Commander 200D, registration N326WR, was involved in an accident near Valdosta, Georgia. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal purposes.
Prior to the accident, the pilot-in-command had flown the aircraft from Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field to Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD). Following the arrival, the pilot briefed a pilot-rated passenger on the aircraft and its preflight inspection procedures. The two occupants then departed VLD for a familiarization flight.
During the flight, the aircraft climbed to 5,500 feet MSL. After performing airwork, the crew returned to VLD. Before the second departure, the fuel quantity indicator showed approximately 14 gallons remaining in the right main fuel tank. The pilot elected to depart with the fuel selector positioned to that tank. While the passenger was flying the aircraft on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power, momentarily regained it, and then lost power completely. The pilot-in-command took control, activated the auxiliary fuel pump, and attempted to return to the airport before diverting to a field for a forced landing. The aircraft struck a road in the field and bounced before coming to an abrupt stop. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries and 0 fatalities.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the N326WR revealed that the right main fuel tank was empty. Despite the lack of fuel, the fuel quantity gauge indicated 18 gallons. Investigators found that the upper and lower center portions of the right main fuel tank were compressed, though there was no damage to the adjacent wing skins. This tank deformation had trapped the fuel quantity sending unit arm in a position that caused an inaccurate, higher fuel reading. Additionally, the investigation found that the fuel vent line for the right main fuel tank had an extensive blockage caused by an insect nest.