Pilot Debrief

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA-20 near Payson, UT — 2016-12-02

Final reportGAA17CA088
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Date
2016-12-02
Location
Payson, UT, USA
Aircraft
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA-20
Registration
N992CT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The solo student pilot reported that, while on a cross-country flight, the weather deteriorated at the destination airport. He decided to complete a touch-and-go landing at an airport along the route and then return to the departure airport. The student pilot further reported that, when he began the flight back to his original point of departure, the airplane had about 3/4 tank of fuel remaining, and a headwind was present. About 10 to 15 nautical miles from the original departure airport, the fuel supply was exhausted, and the student pilot made a forced landing in a field. During the forced landing, the right wing struck a tree and was substantially damaged. The student pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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