Pilot Debrief

DITSLER PAUL A DAKOTA HAWK near Nicklesville, GA — 2024-10-11

Final reportERA25LA010
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Date
2024-10-11
Location
Nicklesville, GA, USA
Aircraft
DITSLER PAUL A DAKOTA HAWK
Registration
N357PC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, fuel planning, and improper fuel management during flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent off-airport hard landing.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight, about 12 miles from of his destination the pilot stated that the engine lost all power “due to fuel exhaustion.” The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field, during which the landing gear collapsed due to the airplane’s “excessive vertical speed.” The airplane’s wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot further stated that he failed to check the airplane’s fuel levels prior to or during the flight. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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