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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 3, 1997 · Snow S2C · N1684S

Viola, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Viola, IL
Aircraft
Snow S2C
Tail Number
N1684S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA199

The pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to spray six different fields. A total loss of engine power was experienced 2 hours and 47 minutes after takeoff. The pilot attempted to circle around and land in the field over which he was spraying. The airplane touched down in the field; however, it traveled through the field, then crossed a road and an embankment before coming to rest. Postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed that there was no fuel in either fuel tank.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by failing to ensure there was an inadequate supply of fuel for the flight, which led to fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Uneven terrain in the emergency landing area was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On July 3, 1997, at 1745 central daylight time, a Snow S2C, N1684S, operated by a commercial pilot, collided with the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The accident occurred in Viola, Illinois. The pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from the Aledo, Illinois, at 1458 cdt. The pilot reported he had a full chemical load and a full load of fuel (100 gallons) on takeoff. He reported he sprayed 6 different fields and while spraying the last field a loss of power occurred. The pilot attempted to circle around and land in the field which he was spraying. The airplane touched down in the field; however, it continued to travel across a road and an embankment prior to coming to rest. Inspection of the airplane immediately following the accident revealed a lack of fuel in the fuel tanks. See attached Illinois State Police Aircraft Accident Report. In addition, the owner/operator of the airplane stated the pilot ran the airplane out of fuel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSnow S2C
Tail NumberN1684S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data