MINR · Whetzel Thorpe T-18 · 2002-09-25 · Valley Center, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX02LA296
Event ID
20020927X05231
Type
Accident
Date
2002-09-25
Location
Valley Center, CA, USA
Coordinates
33.258335, -117.083335
Injuries
Highest injury
MINR
Fatal
0
Serious
0
Minor
1
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
Whetzel
Model
Thorpe T-18
Registration
N60LW
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by not verifying the fuel supply, and his inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to initiate flight with a known equipment deficiency (inoperative fuel quantity gauge).