# NTSB Accident WPR15FA081
> **GIBBS LANCAIR 320** · 2015-01-09 · Van Nuys, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** WPR15FA081
- **Event ID:** 20150109X71237
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2015-01-09
- **Location:** Van Nuys, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 34.205833, -118.48722
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** GIBBS
- **Model:** LANCAIR 320
- **Registration:** N7ZL
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off despite low fuel alerts, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which led to an aerodynamic stall and loss of control at too low of an altitude to recover. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction due to his sending e-mails and being rushed during taxi and takeoff, which resulted in reduced vigilance about the airplane's fuel status.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=WPR15FA081) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*