Pilot Debrief

ZENITH CH 750 near Montgomery City, MO — 2020-09-16

Final reportCEN20LA397
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Date
2020-09-16
Location
Montgomery City, MO, USA
Aircraft
ZENITH CH 750
Registration
N4744M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel management and flight planning, which led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing into rough terrain.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane was fueled with 22-23 gallons of fuel before he departed, and the airplane’s fuel consumption rate was about 6 gallons of fuel per hour. He had been airborne about 4 hours and was approaching his destination when the engine sputtered and lost total power. The pilot made a forced landing into rough terrain and the airplane nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed minimal fuel was onboard, with no leaks of the fuel system. No preimpact anomalies were observed during examination of the engine. The pilot’s preflight planning notes indicated he considered a fuel stop prior to the destination. After the accident, the pilot stated that the onboard fuel quantity indicating system was unreliable and a fuel stop may have been warranted. The pilot’s decision to proceed to the destination without a fuel stop likely resulted in a total loss of engine power due to exhaustion of usable fuel.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot considered a fuel stop but did not make one before the engine lost power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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