NTSB Factual Report

On November 16, 2007, approximately 1650 central standard time, a Gomory Long EZ single-engine airplane, N191PS, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Le Roy, Kansas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed Fulton, Missouri, at 1515 and was destined for Wichita, Kansas.

According to the pilot, the airplane departed Fulton with approximately 2 hours flight time of fuel in the left fuel tank and 1.5 hours in the right fuel tank (Each fuel tank had a capacity of 26 total gallons and 24 gallons of usable fuel). During the flight at an altitude of 4,500 feet mean sea level, the fuel selector was in the left fuel tank position. The pilot reported that while en route, he decided to change the fuel selector position when the airplane was over the next airport. Approximately 5 minutes later and prior to switching the fuel tank selector to the right tank position, the engine lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and attempted to restart the engine; however, the engine did not restart. The pilot then elected to execute a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted terrain and came to rest upright.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), section "How could this accident have been prevented?", the pilot reported, "Add more than enough gas."

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the outboard left wing was partially separated and the wing spar was fractured.

On November 27, 2007, the engine was test run under the supervision of a FAA inspector. Prior to the engine test run, the inspector "visually confirmed the [left hand] fuel sight glass as completely empty and the [right hand] fuel sight glass indicated at least half full." The left fuel tank cap was removed, and no fuel was noted in the tank. The fuel selector was placed in the right tank position, and the engine was started. The engine was test run for approximately 10 minutes with no anomalies noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper fuel calculations and in-flight planning.