Forced/precautionary landing involving a Luscombe 8A, VH-HHQ, 94 km east of Jandakot Aerodrome, Western Australia, on 25 August 1995

The pilot, who still had an area restriction annotated on his pilot's licence, planned to ferry the aircraft to Kalgoorlie where he was going to pick up another pilot for the remainder of the flight to Melbourne. Prior to departure from Jandakot he checked the fuel tanks were full. On taxy out, with the left tank selected, the pilot observed fuel venting from the right-wing tank. As a take-off clearance had already been given, he elected to continue with the flight.

Whilst cruising at 2,500 ft the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to correct the situation by changing magneto settings, but this failed to work. He then concentrated on completing a safe forced landing. As the aircraft touched down in a farm paddock two sheep ran towards the aircraft and collided with the landing gear. The pilot lost directional control, and the landing gear collapsed.

The aircraft operations manual indicates that the right-wing fuel tank must be selected for take-off and until the contents reduce to one quarter full. If this is not done it is possible for the excess fuel, which is normally returned to the right tank, to be vented overboard; thus, reducing the range. The pilot had the left tank selected for take-off and he observed fuel venting from the right wing. it is probable that the aircraft ran out of fuel because the pilot did not operate in accordance with the operations manual instructions. The pilot had limited experience on the aircraft type and was not aware of the fuel management requirements.