Pilot Debrief

QUICKSILVER MXL II near Arecibo, PR — 2018-07-14

Final reportERA18TA193
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Date
2018-07-14
Location
Arecibo, PR, USA
Airport
ABO
Aircraft
QUICKSILVER MXL II
Registration
N594TC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The noncertificated pilot's improper fuel planning and management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

After the local flight, the noncertificated pilot approached the airport for landing. During the approach, he performed a go-around, and the airplane encountered strong winds, so he decided to turn 180° to land on the opposite runway. While turning, about 1/2 mile from the runway, the engine lost total power, so the pilot landed the airplane straight ahead into marshy terrain in a nose-low attitude. The empennage and fuselage sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The 6-gallon fuel tank was found empty, and the fuel cap was found secured to the tank. The pilot reported that the airplane departed with 5 gallons of fuel onboard for the flight, which was about 1 hour 10 minutes long, and the estimated fuel consumption for the airplane was between about 5.3 and 6 gallons per hour. It is likely that, during the go-around and maneuver to return to the airport, the fuel supply was exhausted, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured adequate fuel before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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