Dejager RV-6 N239D

Summary

On 29 April 2003 at about 16:15 local time, a Dejager RV-6 registered N239D was involved in an accident near Bellingham, Washington, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 April 2003 at 16:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Bellingham, Washington, United States

Coordinates

48.7967, -122.4869

Aircraft

Dejager RV-6

Registration

N239D

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Blaine → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA03LA075

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate in flight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the loss of power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot departed Blaine, Washington, with what he estimated was 15 gallons of fuel aboard and flew to a local field approximately 35 miles distant where he executed multiple touch and go landings. Although fuel was available at the touch and go field he did not refuel the aircraft. While en route to his point of origination, and approximately 90 minutes after his initial departure the engine stopped operating. The pilot executed an off airport emergency landing in a wetlands area coming to rest inverted. Post crash examination found no evidence of fuel at the accident site and a test run of the aircraft's engine was satisfactorily completed following the accident. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector after the accident that he had run out of gas.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.