Pilot Debrief

Cessna 140 near TEHACHAPI, CA — 2018-08-31

Final reportWPR18LA246
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Date
2018-08-31
Location
TEHACHAPI, CA, USA
Airport
TSP
Aircraft
Cessna 140
Registration
N2167V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during the initial climb.

NTSB narrative

During the preflight inspection, the pilot determined that the left fuel tank was empty and the right tank contained 4 gallons of fuel (capacity 12 1/2 gallons). After discovering that the airport fuel pumps were inoperative, the pilot decided to proceed with the flight and remain in the airport traffic pattern. The pilot performed a series of touch-and-go takeoff and landings and during the initial climb phase of the fifth takeoff, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted a 180° turn back to the runway, during which the airplane impacted the taxiway, resulting in substantial damage. Due to the airplane's vintage, operational and performance details such as fuel consumption and unusable fuel quantity were unavailable; however, a placard on the fuel gauges indicated that takeoff should not be attempted if the tank was filled to just under 1/4 of its capacity. It is likely that the airplane consumed the remainder of the usable fuel during the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have refueled before flight after finding left tank empty.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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