GAA17CA089

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that while on a cross country flight he diverted from his destination to a nearby airport due to low fuel. He added that the right fuel tank "went dry" and the engine lost power on downwind, so he switched to the left fuel tank and the engine momentarily restarted before it experienced a total power loss on base. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the instrument landing system lights, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, while on a cross-country flight, he diverted from his destination to a nearby airport due to low fuel. He added that the right fuel tank "went dry" and that the engine lost power on downwind, so he switched to the left fuel tank, and the engine momentarily restarted before it experienced a total power loss of power on base. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the instrument landing system lights, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He reported that he miscalculated the fuel and "ran out of gas." A postaccident examination found about 1 cup of fuel in one of the tanks. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid level - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Planning/preparation-Fuel planning-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Runway/taxi/approach light-Contributed to outcome