Bellingham, WA, USA
N239D
DeJager RV-6
The pilot departed Blaine, Washington, with what he estimated was 15 gallons of fuel aboard and flew to a local field approximately 35 miles distant where he executed multiple touch and go landings. Although fuel was available at the touch and go field he did not refuel the aircraft. While en route to his point of origination, and approximately 90 minutes after his initial departure the engine stopped operating. The pilot executed an off airport emergency landing in a wetlands area coming to rest inverted. Post crash examination found no evidence of fuel at the accident site and a test run of the aircraft's engine was satisfactorily completed following the accident. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector after the accident that he had run out of gas.
On April 29, 2003, approximately 0915 Pacific daylight time a homebuilt DeJager RV-6, N239D, registered to/operated and being flown by a Canadian commercial pilot sustained substantial damage when the aircraft nosed over on landing roll following a loss of power and forced landing approximately two nautical miles northeast of Bellingham, Washington. The pilot incurred minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14 CFR 91, and originated from the Blaine Municipal airport, Blaine, Washington, approximately 0745 on the morning of the accident. The pilot reported that he departed Blaine with an estimated 15 gallons of fuel aboard. He flew to Skagit Regional airport (approximately 35 nautical miles southeast, refer to CHART I) where he conducted "6 or 7 touch and go landings" and then headed back to Blaine. Aviation 100 low lead octane fuel was available for purchase at the Skagit Regional airport. In the vicinity of east Bellingham the engine lost power. He switched to the left fuel tank while turning left toward the Bellingham International airport but was unable to get the engine restarted. Unable to reach his selected emergency landing site he executed a forced landing in an alternate site, a wetlands area. The aircraft touched down and then planed across the water to the shoreline where it nosed over. Several bystanders assisted the pilot in exiting the aircraft. Emergency rescue personnel arrived on site and determined that there had been no fuel leakage from the aircraft. Post-crash examination and a test run of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction with the aircraft's powerplant (refer to ATTACHMENT L-I). The pilot subsequently reported to an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration's Renton Flight Standards District Office that he had run out of gas. He also noted in the "recommendation" section of his submitted NTSB Form 6120.1 (Pilot/Operator Accident Report) that "...more positive fuel q[uanti]ty assessment..." might have prevented the accident (refer to attached NTSB Form 6120.1).
The pilot's inadequate in flight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the loss of power.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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