Pilot Debrief

Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R near Fruitvale, TX — 2010-11-05

Final reportCEN11LA061
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Date
2010-11-05
Location
Fruitvale, TX, USA
Aircraft
Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R
Registration
N971WA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was serviced with 14 gallons of fuel (the gauges registered three-quarters full) prior to departure, and the pilot flew to another airport where 20 gallons of fuel were added. The pilot then returned to his home base, where the airplane was serviced with another 24 gallons of fuel. The pilot flew back to the same airport but did not refuel there. While en route back to his home airport at night, the engine lost power. The pilot made a forced landing, during which the airplane collided with a power line and trees. The pilot said that he ran out of fuel and that the airplane burned more fuel than he anticipated.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not refuel at DTO before returning to SHV.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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