# NTSB FTW96LA042: Lodge RV-4, N30RV, Mcckinney, TX, November 11, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 11, 1995, 17:35 local (23:35 UTC) - Place: Mcckinney, TX - Coordinates: 33.180339, -96.589981 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1803&lon=-96.5900&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed, report May 30, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19707 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA042 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19707/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA042 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which led to a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause) - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - Loss of control - in flight, emergency descent/landing - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing ## Analysis The pilot reported that after leveling off at 1,800 feet MSL, and during a left turn, the engine lost total power. During the emergency descent the airplane stalled twice prior to impacting the ground. A witness observed the airplane 'losing altitude fast' and 'leveling off just prior to' ground impact. Postaccident examination revealed that the right wing main fuel tank did not have usable fuel, and the fuel in the left tank measured 1/2 inch on a measuring stick. The fuel selector handle was found in the 'right main open' position, and both fuel quantity gauges indicated near empty. ## Factual narrative On November 11, 1995, approximately 1735 central standard time, a Lodge RV-4, N30RV, registered to, and operated by the pilot as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was destroyed during a forced landing following a loss of power. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot-in-command and his passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight originated from Aero Country Airpark, McKinney, Texas, about 5 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot reported that, after takeoff he "climbed to 1,800 feet MSL and leveled off." During a turn to the left, "the engine stopped." He further reported that, "seconds-later the aircraft stalled and began rolling inverted." He stated that, he "over reacted to the right and the aircraft stalled again." After the second stall, he "pushed the stick forward to regain airspeed and control." He then, "managed to get the aircraft almost level" [and] out of a dive, when contact with the ground was made." A witness observed the airplane "losing altitude fast" and "leveling off just prior to" ground impact. Examination of the airplane by a FAA inspector revealed the following: The right wing main fuel tank did not have usable fuel, and the fuel found in the left tank measured 1/2 inch on a measuring stick. Also, the fuel selector handle was found in the "right main open" position and both fuel quantity gauges indicated "near" empty. Additionally, the crankshaft was rotated and continuity was established through the accessory gears. All four cylinders had compression and valve action, and the magnetos produced spark through all wire leads when rotated by hand. No engine defects were observed. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N30RV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30RV-1997-02-07), registration cancelled 1997-02-07, S/N 1828 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: LODGE RV-4 - Registry model: [Lodge Edward G RV-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/lodge-edward-g-rv-4) (registry code 05608LU) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1828 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Edward G. Lodge - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: TX05 - Airport: TX05, Aero Country ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,000 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 55 °F ## 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 19951111036369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951111036369A), Nov 11, 1995: Amtr RV4, Mckinney, TX, Destroyed. Lost power stalled. Recovered but entered secondary stall to impact. Fuel sector empty tank. Low fuel in other. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.