LONG EZ

Leesburg, FL — October 12, 2010

Event Information

DateOctober 12, 2010
Event TypeACC
LocationLeesburg, FL
CountryUSA
Coordinates28.82278, -81.80861
AirportLeesburg International Airport
Highest InjuryMINR
NTSB NumberERA11CA018
Event ID20101013X93243

Aircraft

MakeLONG
ModelEZ
Registration #N539AD
OperatorAllen Dunlap
OwnerAllen Dunlap
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionNITE
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he made a go-around after his first approach due to traffic in the area. He forgot to switch fuel tanks while dealing with the traffic situation and as the airplane turned crosswind, the engine “started to sputter and then it stopped.” The pilot switched fuel tanks and attempted to restart but was unsuccessful. He did not have enough altitude or time to get the engine restarted and decided to ditch in a lake to avoid a housing area. A post-accident inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane incurred substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage and that no mechanical anomalies existed before the accident. The pilot stated, “It was simply fuel starvation.”

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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