What happened
On January 23, 2012, a Velocity XL-RG-5 departed from Kiel-Holtenau airport for a flight to Leer-Papenburg under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The aircraft was cruising at 2,500 feet AMSL with one pilot and one passenger on board.
Approximately 15 nautical miles east of the destination, the pilot reported via radio that the engine was experiencing a loss of power. At an altitude of approximately 1,400 feet AMSL, the pilot notified the air traffic controller of an intended emergency landing. The aircraft approached a nearby field at approximately 90 knots.
During the landing sequence, the landing gear remained retracted. The aircraft struck a grassy area, crossed a paved road, and came to a stop on the opposite side of the road after a 12/0-degree left turn around its vertical axis. The impact resulted in one person being lightly injured and caused heavy damage to the aircraft, including damage to the left canard, wing edges, the underside of the fuselage, and the propeller. Minor damage was also sustained by roadside traffic guidance installations.
The investigation
The BFU examined the aircraft and the accident site, which consisted of flat, wet, and soft ground. Investigators found no evidence of fuel, engine oil, or hydraulic oil leaks at the scene. The aircraft's fuel system and tanks were found to be intact, though approximately four liters of fuel were drained during the investigation.
Upon inspecting the cockpit, investigators noted that the "Low Fuel" warning light was illuminated. The gauges for both the left and right fuel tanks indicated zero, and the flight endurance display showed zero minutes remaining.