Pilot Debrief

HALEY Highlander near Waller, TX — 2021-08-14

Final reportCEN21LA375
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Date
2021-08-14
Location
Waller, TX, USA
Airport
TS07
Aircraft
HALEY Highlander
Registration
N100GH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, about 800 ft above ground level, the engine began to surge and lost power. In an effort to restore power, the pilot turned on the auxiliary fuel pump, but the engine did not restart. During a forced landing to a dirt road, the airplane touched down short of the road in a corn field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The engine was subsequently removed for repair and the airplane was disassembled before the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) could conduct a detailed examination. When asked if the engine repair facility determined a cause for the loss of engine power, the pilot stated “No, the reason was lack of fuel in one tank which made the engine lose power and start surging.” The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Ensuring adequate fuel in both tanks before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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