This one hits close to home (literally, accident site less than 25NM from home). Those that think there's more than meets the eye are correct. Can't give details, but a couple hours of unprofessionalism preceeded the wreck.
I have had distractions during preflights, and made mistakes. But, NEVER have I not checked fuel. It's hard to imagine, as it is ingrained from the earliest training.
Arnie said "Another issue is the failed auto ...." Yeah, minor detail. Lessee, still daylight, the land in that area is mostly rural/agriculture so plenty of open spaces, fairly flat, with few treed areas .... really makes one wonder about proficiency. If one were that low on fuel, wouldn't you be spring-loaded to expect an auto? Poor flight planning, too, as the final LZ was only 7 miles beyond the intended interim fuel stop. That inner voice must have been telling him how low the fuel really was...
Last edited by rotorfan; 11th April 2013 at 07:44.