NTSB Factual Report

On April 29, 2007, about 1015 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Bishop Acro, N360DD, experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain while attempting an emergency landing at Reno/Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada. The pilot/owner operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local area flight departed Reno/Stead about 1000. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot stated in a written report that the aircraft had been on static display at a Young Eagles event. His children had taken a flight in another airplane and he decided to follow them in the accident airplane and take pictures; this flight lasted 15 minutes. After landing he took off again to take pictures of his friend's airplane. Ten minutes into the accident flight he elected to return to the airport, at which time the engine started to 'miss' and he realized it had run out of fuel. While lined up for a straight in landing on runway 14, the engine lost all power. The airplane landed 200 yards short of the runway and collided with sagebrush; the left aileron separated from the wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

In the recommendation section of the NTSB Pilot Accident Report form 6120, the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by adding 'check fuel' to his pre-takeoff checklist.

NTSB Probable Cause

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection and his failure to verify that an adequate fuel supply was on board the aircraft.