Finds Only Trace Amount Of Fuel In Wreckage

The NTSB's preliminary report of a Czech Aircraft Works (CAW) CH 601 XL RTF that crashed November 11 near Basye, VA says investigators found no fuel in its tanks. The pilot and sole occupant died in the crash.

Witnesses at Sky Bryce Airport reported hearing the pilot say he was going to fly for "about an hour" before departing. The aircraft (file photo of accident plane, above) circled north of the airport before descending "very low" over the trees. As the plane turned east its engine "surged" before going silent. The aircraft banked 90 degrees before impacting the trees.

The report notes the aircraft struck several trees leaving no debris path. All the aircraft's major components were found at the site.

Damage to the spinner and propeller blades showed no evidence of rotation at the time of impact. There was minimal damage to the engine which was rotated by hand with no indication of binding.

Investigators found no evidence of fuel at the accident site, and no evidence of leaks or malfunctions with the aircraft's fuel system. No fuel was found around the crash site or in the plane's tanks or carburetors -- investigators found only trace amounts in the filter.

Further inspection of the carburetors revealed no damage that might have caused them to malfunction.  The two ounces of fuel recovered from the entire fuel system was found to be clean and free of debris.

The crash occurred during daylight hours. Reported weather indicated light winds with 10 miles visibility and scattered clouds at 8,500 feet.

CAW advertises the CH 601 series aircraft as having more than 4.5 hours endurance with full fuel.

FMI: Read The Full Preliminary Report Here