NTSB Factual Report

On May 7, 2004, approximately 1230 mountain daylight time, a Branham Vans RV-6, N29KB, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a power loss 7 miles north of Paragonah, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant on board, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Provo, Utah, at 1130, and was en route to Parowan, Utah.

In his accident report, the pilot stated that he inspected the fuel tanks prior to departure and determined the right tank was slightly more than 1/2 full, and the left tank was approximately 1/4 full, for an estimated total of 16 gallons. The pilot wrote, "A visual check confirmed fuel, but it is difficult to judge [the] amount visually." At a fuel consumption rate of 10 gallons per hour, the pilot estimated he had at least 1.5 hours endurance, which would allow him to complete the flight. The pilot flew for 25 minutes on the right tank, then flew for 25 minutes on the left tank. He then switched back to the right tank. As the airplane passed Beaver, Utah, the right fuel gauge registered empty and the pilot switched to the left tank. "About 12 miles out of Parawan the tank went dry," and the engine lost power. The pilot made a forced landing in an open field. During the landing, the left wing tip was sheared off, the left fuel tank was breached, the firewall was buckled, and the engine separated from the firewall.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight planning/decision which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power. The berm and the pilot not stopping to refuel the airplane were contributing factors.