Tracy, CA, USA
N409EV
Evektor Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR
The pilot reported that, while conducting the preflight inspection, he mistook the voltmeter for the fuel gauge. The first leg of his flight was uneventful; however, on the return flight, the engine started to sputter and then lost all power. He navigated toward a nearby airport, but when he realized that the airplane would not reach the airport, he chose to land on a field near the south end of the airport. During the landing, the left wing impacted a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that, while conducting the preflight, he mistook the voltmeter for the fuel gauge. The first leg of his flight was uneventful, however, on the return flight, the engine started to sputter then experienced a total loss of power. He navigated toward a nearby airport. He noted that, as he approached the airport, it became apparent he would not make it to the airport. He then elected to land on a field near the south end of the airport. During landing the left wing impacted a tree. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent emergency landing and collision with a tree.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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