Pilot Debrief

REMOS ACFT GMBH FLUGZEUGBAU REMOS GX near Henderson, NV — 2023-08-10

Final reportWPR23LA316
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Date
2023-08-10
Location
Henderson, NV, USA
Aircraft
REMOS ACFT GMBH FLUGZEUGBAU REMOS GX
Registration
N72GX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to ensure there was adequate fuel onboard before departure, which led to a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The accident flight was an introductory lesson for the student. After departure, the flight instructor began to demonstrate basic maneuvers. About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine began sputter. He noted that the fuel gauges indicated that the tank was empty. The engine lost complete power and the flight instructor performed an off-airport landing and nosed over after encountering a ditch. The fuel tank was found empty at the accident site. A postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Because the fuel system was intact and there was no evidence of any leaks, it is likely that the instructor was mistaken about the fuel quantity at takeoff and the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Instructor should have verified fuel levels before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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