# NTSB DFW06CA002: Culver LCA, N32476, McGregor, TX, October 4, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 4, 2005, 18:08 local (23:08 UTC)
- Place: McGregor, TX
- Coordinates: 31.465, -97.47528
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4650&lon=-97.4753&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62610
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW06CA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62610/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA002

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.  A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- On ground/water collision with object, emergency descent/landing
  - object - fence
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The 540-hour private pilot reported that approximately 5 to 10 miles short of his destination airport, while still in cruise flight at 3,500 feet, the engine lost power without warnings.  The pilot made a forced landing to a field with the main landing gear still retracted.  During the landing, the left wing came into contact with a fence post and severed the wing.  The vintage airplane was not equipped with fuel gauges and the pilot reported that he did not visually inspect the fuel tanks before takeoff and estimated that he had enough fuel to complete a cross-country flight to a nearby airport.  Examination of the airplane revealed that the main fuel tank was empty.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the NTSB.  Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case.  For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32476](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N32476), registered now, S/N 208 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Culver LCA
- Registry model: [Culver LCA](https://openairdocs.org/model/culver-lca) (registry code 8730202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 208
- Engines: Continental C85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Keith Richbourg
- Registered owner: Keith Richbourg
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2005, 10 hours before
- Departed: T94, San Antonio, TX
- Destination: Waco, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; seat: left; flight hours: 540 total, 40 in this make and model, 515 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.90 inHg
- Observed at: PWG

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20051004029389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051004029389A), Oct 4, 2005: Supac LCA, Mcgregor, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) On 10/04/2005, at approximately 1806 CST, culver (Lca), aircraft registration #N32476, owned and operated by the pilot [privacy data omitted] experienced…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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