NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On January 3, 2009, about 1445 Pacific standard time, an experimental PZL, PZL-104-35A, Wilga, N226PF, impacted trees following a loss of engine power in Redwood Regional Park, Oakland, California. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage by impact forces. The local personal flight departed Oakland about 1435. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot reported that while maneuvering, the engine "ran out of gas just passed the western arm of the San Leondro Reservoir." He attempted a restart without success. During the descent, he saw power lines in front of him and he turned the airplane to the north. The airplane subsequently impacted trees.

The pilot extricated himself from the wreckage and obtained transportation to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The pilot thought he departed Oakland Airport with enough fuel for the local flight based on the readings of the two fuel gauges.

On January 12, 2009, the pilot contacted the National Transportation Safety Board investigator in-charge (IIC) and related that he had researched the amount of flight time he had on the accident airplane since refueling it. The airplane was refueled on October 18, 2008, to maximum capacity. The pilot reported that he had flown a total of 4.1 hours since refueling. The airplane's fuel endurance was a little more than 4 hours.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning.