CircumFlightN195KF Kerr John A KITFOX CLASSIC IV accident
NTSB GAA15CA029 · 2015-03-28 · Logan, UT
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
The pilot departed for a local flight with an indication on the fuel gauges of approximately one quarter per tank of fuel. The pilot stated he did not perform a visual inspection of the fuel tanks during his pre-flight procedures. About 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot returned to the airport. Prior to reaching the airport, the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot selected a field for a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage frame. The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe of engine that would have precluded normal operation. An examination of the airplane at the accident site by an FAA air safety inspector revealed there was no fuel in the tanks.
Full narrative
The pilot departed for a local flight with an indication on the fuel gauges of approximately one quarter per tank of fuel. The pilot stated he did not perform a visual inspection of the fuel tanks during his pre-flight procedures. About 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot returned to the airport. Prior to reaching the airport, the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot selected a field for a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage frame.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe of engine that would have precluded normal operation.
An examination of the airplane at the accident site by an FAA air safety inspector revealed there was no fuel in the tanks.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection/planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and a loss of engine power en route. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- NONE
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 300
- Wind speed (kt)
- 4
- Temperature (F)
- 48
- Distance from field
- 0.0
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N195KF | KERR JOHN A | KITFOX CLASSIC IV | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enroute Fuel exhaustion defining | Climb |
| 2 | Emergency descent Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) | Descent |