Accident Pulsar Super Pulsar 100 N601SP, Sunday 20 August 2000

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Date:	Sunday 20 August 2000
Time:	14:23 LT
Type:	Pulsar Super Pulsar 100
Owner/operator:	Solly Melyon
Registration:	N601SP
MSN:	601
Total airframe hrs:	2 hours
Engine model:	Continental IO-240-B7B
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Victorville, CA - United States of America
Phase:	Approach
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Socal Airport, CA (VCV
Destination airport:	(KVCV)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
During the second flight of the experimental homebuilt airplane, the engine lost power resulting in a forced landing. The airplane collided with a ravine during the forced landing roll and the landing gear collapsed. Both flights had operated with a fuel load of 10 gallons, 5 gallons in each wing fuel tank. On approach to the runway, the accident pilot experienced a loss of engine power while operating from the left fuel tank. He switched the fuel selector to the right tank but was unable to get a restart. The pilot stated that the fuel vapor return, which was plumbed into the right fuel tank, was greater than advertised. He had understood the rate to be 20/30 percent of the fuel consumption rate.

Probable Cause: the pilot's failure to provide enough fuel for the intended flight. Contributing to the accident was an improper fuel vapor return system.

Accident investigation: