Pilot Debrief

Van's Aircraft RV-8 near Horseshoe Bay, TX — 2019-02-15

Final reportCEN19LA091
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Date
2019-02-15
Location
Horseshoe Bay, TX, USA
Airport
DZB
Aircraft
Van's Aircraft RV-8
Registration
N737MC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he departed on the multi-leg flight with both tanks filled to capacity, for a total of 43 gallons. The airplane consumed 11 to 12 gallons of fuel during the first leg, then consumed another 11 during the second leg. Shortly after departing on the third leg of the flight, the engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed that both fuel tanks were breached during the accident; there was no fuel remaining in the tanks, nor was any evidence of fuel present at the site. There were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane or engine. A fuel flow indicating device displayed 17.8 gallons of fuel remaining and 23.2 gallons of fuel used. The unit depended on the pilot’s input of the fuel onboard before the beginning of the flight. Based on the pilot’s statement that the airplane’s fuel tanks contained full fuel before the initial takeoff and that the fuel flow device was programmed with the proper amount of fuel, the airplane should have had about 17 gallons of fuel remaining for the last leg of the flight. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have verified fuel levels more accurately before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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