Accident Varga 2150A N8259J, Tuesday 2 August 1988

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Date:	Tuesday 2 August 1988
Time:	00:15 LT
Type:	Varga 2150A
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N8259J
MSN:	VAC-105-78
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-A
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Washington, IA - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Oshkosh, WI
Destination airport:	Memphis, MI
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
WHILE ENROUTE THE PIC RPTD A LOSS OF ENG PWR. THE PIC STATED IN HIS RPT THAT HAVING PASSED WASHINGTON, IA, HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS TO DRAW FUEL FROM THE LFT TANK WHICH INDICATED 1/2 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER SWITCHING, THE PIC STATED THE TANK WENT EMPTY. THE PIC THEN SWITCHED ON THE OTHER TANK WHICH HAD INDICATED 1/4 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER DOING SO, THE ENG QUIT AND THE PIC ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE WASHINGTON, IA, ARPT. THE ACFT CLIPPED A POWERLINE GUY WIRE DURING THE FORCED LANDING AND CRASHED SHORT INTO A FARM IMPLEMENT SALES LOT. INSP OF THE ACFT REVEALED LESS THAN 1 GAL TOTAL FUEL QUANTITY. NO LEAKS OR RUPTURE OF FUEL SYSTEM HARDWARE WAS FOUND WHICH COULD EXPLAIN THE LOW QUANTITY OF FUEL IN THE SYSTEM.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: