Pilot Debrief

Evektor Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR near Tracy, CA — 2019-07-21

Final reportGAA19CA446
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Date
2019-07-21
Location
Tracy, CA, USA
Airport
TCY
Aircraft
Evektor Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR
Registration
N409EV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent emergency landing and collision with a tree.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while conducting the preflight inspection, he mistook the voltmeter for the fuel gauge. The first leg of his flight was uneventful; however, on the return flight, the engine started to sputter and then lost all power. He navigated toward a nearby airport, but when he realized that the airplane would not reach the airport, he chose to land on a field near the south end of the airport. During the landing, the left wing impacted a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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