Pilot Debrief

TACCHI TORELLO F VANS AIRCRAFT RV10 near Folkston, GA — 2011-10-30

Final reportERA12CA055
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Date
2011-10-30
Location
Folkston, GA, USA
Aircraft
TACCHI TORELLO F VANS AIRCRAFT RV10
Registration
N968TP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, prior to departing on the 1-hour flight, he added 5 gallons of fuel to both the left and right fuel tanks and visually estimated the total fuel on board to be 23 gallons. About 4 minutes from the destination airport, the engine began to sputter. The pilot noticed that the right fuel tank gauge indicated empty, and the left indicated one-quarter full. The pilot then switched the fuel selector from the right tank to the left and proceeded to fly at a reduced power setting, but the engine began to sputter again, and the pilot selected a field in which to perform a forced landing. The airplane landed between two trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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