What happened
On November 6, 2024, a De Havilland DHC-1, registration N420TD, was performing a personal flight under Part 91 regulations when it experienced an engine failure. After departing and completing a touch-and-go landing, the pilot flew approximately three miles west to perform two steep turns.
While returning to the airport on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot noted that the left wing fuel gauge indicated 2 gallons and the right wing fuel gauge indicated 3 gallons. During the final approach for landing, at an altitude of approximately 250 to 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power. Although the pilot attempted to switch fuel tanks, the engine failed to regain power. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing roughly 300 to 400 feet short of the runway. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury and substantial damage to the aircraft's wings and fuselage.
The investigation
Post-accident inspections of the aircraft revealed that the left wing fuel tank was empty, while the right wing tank contained approximately 1.5 gallons of fuel. Investigators found no fuel at the carburetor jets or the fuel supply line. No fuel leaks were identified in the wing tanks, and the fuel selector valve and tank vents showed no anomalies.
Testing of the fuel quantity gauges determined that the left wing gauge was inaccurate; the gauge remained stuck at a 3-gallon reading even when fuel was added. An examination of the left wing gauge assembly revealed corrosion. The right wing fuel tank gauge was found to be accurate during testing. The engine showed no mechanical issues that would have prevented normal operation.