Pilot Debrief

THIBAULT MICHAEL L RV4 near Polk Township, PA — 2014-08-21

Final reportERA14LA402
Sign in to save
Date
2014-08-21
Location
Polk Township, PA, USA
Aircraft
THIBAULT MICHAEL L RV4
Registration
N62632
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot reported that he visually inspected the fuel tanks before takeoff and that each tank was "just less than half" full. After takeoff for the local personal flight, the pilot climbed the airplane to 2,000 ft mean sea level, and, upon leveling off, switched the fuel selector to the left wing tank. Shortly thereafter, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and the pilot conducted a forced landing to a soybean field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and then came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall and right wing. Examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no anomalies. The engine was turned by hand at the propeller, and compression was confirmed to all cylinders using the thumb method. The left magneto produced spark when rotated. A total of 2 ounces of fuel was recovered from both of the fuel tank sump drains. Fuel staining was observed on the top of the left wing, consistent with fuel leaking from the tank while the airplane was inverted following the accident. However, no fuel was present in the fuel hose from the engine-driven fuel pump to the carburetor inlet; therefore, it is likely that the engine was not getting fuel. Neither the quantity of fuel present in the tank before the accident nor the reason there was no fuel in the fuel hose could be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured adequate fuel before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps