Pilot Debrief

ROYSE RALPH L GLASAIR near Cottonwood, CA — 2022-12-17

Final reportWPR23LA074
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Date
2022-12-17
Location
Cottonwood, CA, USA
Airport
CA04
Aircraft
ROYSE RALPH L GLASAIR
Registration
N9YA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s fuel mismanagement which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff, the fuel tank selector was mistakenly set to the auxiliary tank. Five minutes later the auxiliary tank ran out of gas, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. The pilot switched to the main tank; however, there was insufficient altitude available for a recovery. The airplane struck terrain about 100 ft short of the runway, which substantially damaged the left and right wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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