DIAMOND DA20-C1

Waskom, TX, October 12, 2015

Event Information

DateOctober 12, 2015
Event TypeACC
LocationWaskom, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates32.52056, -94.30778
AirportHarrison County
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberCEN16LA018
Event ID20151021X22953

Aircraft

MakeDIAMOND
ModelDA20-C1
Registration #N165DC
OperatorLARI L. GEE
OwnerLARI L. GEE
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionNDRK
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to operate the airplane without the owner’s permission and his lack of preflight planning, which resulted a total loss of engine power due fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

October 12, 2015, at 0349 central daylight time, the pilot of a Diamond DA20-C1, made a night forced landing after the engine lost power near Waskom, Texas. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered a private individual and was being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Marshall (ASL), Texas, had flown to Shreveport, Louisiana, and was en route back to ASLThe pilot told air traffic controllers that the engine had lost power, and that he did not think he would be able to glide to the airport in Marshall. He also said it was dark and he could not see anything below him. The pilot made a forced landing about 6.9 miles east of ASL.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the airplane and reported finding no fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot, however, was adamant that he had fuel on board. The airplane reportedly had been taken without the owner's permission. The pilot was placed under arrest.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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