GAA19CA536

Factual narrative

The private pilot reported that during approach to land, about 250 ft. above the ground, "he ran the right tank dry" and the right engine lost power. He switched the right fuel tank selector to the auxiliary fuel tank, but despite his attempts, he could not restart the engine. The airplane subsequently landed in a grassy field short of the runway. Post-accident examination revealed that both main fuel tanks were devoid of fuel and about 17 gallons of fuel remained in the auxiliary tank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1. The pilot reported that, during approach to land and while the airplane about 250 ft above ground level, "he ran the right tank dry," and the engine then lost power. He switched the right fuel tank selector to the auxiliary fuel tank, but despite his attempts, he could not restart the engine. He subsequently landed the airplane in a grassy field short of the runway. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that both main fuel tanks were empty and that about 17 gallons of fuel remained in the auxiliary tank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. 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 Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid management - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Pilot - C