Pilot Debrief

Pitts A near Hickory Valley, TN — 2019-12-19

Final reportERA20CA090
Sign in to save
Date
2019-12-19
Location
Hickory Valley, TN, USA
Aircraft
Pitts A
Registration
N113A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane departed with 17.5 gallons of fuel and about 1 hour and 25 minutes after departure the engine lost power. He attempted to restart the engine using the boost pump to no avail. The pilot elected to make an off-airport landing to a road; during the landing the airplane landed hard and the left main landing gear collapsed resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the firewall. Both the wing fuel tanks were examined and no evidence of fuel remained in either tank. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported as a safety recommendation that more thoughtfully studying the fuel consumption "break in" period could have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps