CEN14CA275

Factual narrative

On May 28, 2014, at 2027 central standard time, an unregistered experimental amateur-built Buccaneer SX, impacted terrain after a loss of engine power and aerodynamic stall during takeoff phase of a touch-and-go landing at Hefner-Easley Airport, Wagoner (H68), Oklahoma, when the engine lost engine power due to fuel exhaustion/starvation. The airplane received substantial damage to the fuselage. The uncertificated pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was had been owned and operated by the pilot for approximately two years. The local flight originated from H68 about 1945. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the airplane, powered by a Rotax (serial number 6025420) engine, was about 100 feet above the ground after takeoff when the engine quit due to fuel depletion. The pilot estimated that there was about 8 gallons of fuel on board and stated that the fuel gauge was inoperative. The Hobbs meter indicated 1,972 hours, and the pilot thought that the meter was inoperative. The pilot stated the he did not know his total flight time in the accident airplane. On May 28, 2014, at 2027 central standard time, an unregistered experimental amateur-built Buccaneer SX, impacted terrain after a loss of engine power and aerodynamic stall during takeoff phase of a touch-and-go landing at Hefner-Easley Airport, Wagoner (H68), Oklahoma, when the engine lost engine power due to fuel exhaustion/starvation. The airplane received substantial damage to the fuselage. The uncertificated pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was had been owned and operated by the pilot for approximately two years. The local flight originated from H68 about 1945. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the airplane, powered by a Rotax (serial number 6025420) engine, was about 100 feet above the ground after takeoff when the engine quit due to fuel depletion. The pilot estimated that there was about 8 gallons of fuel on board and stated that the fuel gauge was inoperative. The Hobbs meter indicated 1,972 hours, and the pilot thought that the meter was inoperative. The pilot stated the he did not know his total flight time in the accident airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• F Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid management - F
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Fuel system-Fuel indication system-Inoperative
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Record-keeping-Pilot logs-Pilot