Pilot Debrief

PITTS AEROBATICS S-2B near Woodbine, NJ — 2009-06-25

Final reportERA09LA368
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Date
2009-06-25
Location
Woodbine, NJ, USA
Airport
OBI
Aircraft
PITTS AEROBATICS S-2B
Registration
N300FA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel transfer in flight.

NTSB narrative

Prior to departure, the pilot added a total of 20 gallons of fuel to the upper wing auxiliary and lower (main) tanks of the Pitts S-2B bi-plane, filling the tanks to their 28 gallon capacity. About halfway to the destination airport, after flying for about an hour, the pilot transferred fuel from the upper (auxiliary) to the lower (main) fuel tank. As the airplane approached the airport which the pilot planned to stop for fuel, the pilot determined a fuel stop was not necessary as his GPS predicted an arrival time at his destination equating to 2 hours of flight time. When the airplane was about 20 miles from its destination, the engine "quit abruptly" and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. Examination of the airplane revealed the upper wing fuel tank contained approximately 3-5 gallons of fuel, and no fuel was observed in the main fuel tank. The fuel lines from the fuel servo contained only "residual fuel." The fuel selector was observed in the "ON" position. The fuel transfer valve, which transferred fuel from the upper wing fuel tank to the lower wing (main) fuel tank, was in the "CLOSED" position. The pilot believed the airplane's engine consumed about 11.5 gallons per hour; however, the manufacturer reported the airplane's engine consumed between 12 and 14 gallons per hour.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot decided not to stop for fuel about 20 miles from WWD.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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