Pilot Debrief

MCGLAUGHLIN RICHARD SPORTSMAN GS2 near Pell City, AL — 2022-10-14

Final reportERA23LA028
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Date
2022-10-14
Location
Pell City, AL, USA
Aircraft
MCGLAUGHLIN RICHARD SPORTSMAN GS2
Registration
N302BM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental airplane stated that his electronic cockpit display indicated 23 gallons of fuel prior to flight, but he did not visually inspect the fuel tanks as it would have required a step ladder. About 10 minutes after takeoff, the engine lost all power, and the pilot performed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the airplane impacted a ditch and came to rest upright. The pilot checked the fuel tanks after the accident, and they were empty. Other than the fuel gauge, the pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that main landing gear separated and the left wing strut sustained substantial damage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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