NTSB Factual Report

The instructor pilot reported that she preflighted the fuel quantity of the high wing Special Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) by looking at the fuel quantity tube that was located between the pilots’ seats. She reported that it indicated 1/2 tank of fuel, or about 11 gallons of fuel. The pilot departed on a demonstration flight. After approximately 30 minutes of flight, the pilot was returning to the airport when the engine stopped. The engine was restarted, but stopped again about one minute later. The engine stopped and was restarted about five times. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field, and the airplane nosed over during the landing roll.

The inspection of the fuel system revealed that it was empty. The engine ran when fuel was provided. The inspection of the fuel quantity tube revealed that it was “discolored,” and that there was a crease in the tube at the half-way point. The pilot reported that the crease in the tube made it appear that there was 1/2 tank of fuel. The airplane was also equipped with a fuel quantity gauge on the instrument panel which operated.

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) operated the airplane and used it at the EAA Air Academy. The EAA Director of Aircraft Operations reported that new procedures were instituted for EAA Air Academy Remos flight operations. The new procedures were: 1) Minimum fuel for dispatch of an Air Academy flight is 1/2 tank. If below 1/2 tank, it must be refueled to full prior to departure, 2) If an instructor change occurs, the aircraft must be refueled to full by the instructor taking over prior to flight, 3) Each aircraft must begin each day of operations with full fuel. Additionally, an “aircraft tach time” column was added to the airplane’s refueling log.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of total engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the instructor pilot's inadequate preflight inspection. Contributing to the accident was the creased fuel quantity tube.