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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 2, 1998 · Wicks FLY BABY · N40349

Blissfield, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 2, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Blissfield, MI
Aircraft
Wicks FLY BABY
Tail Number
N40349
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA233

During the initial climb the engine suffered a loss of power. Post accident inspection of the airplane failed to reveal any smell of fuel on or around the wreckage. There was no fuel spill on the ground. Only unusable fuel was found in the tank. No other mechanical anomalies were found during the post accident examination.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's misjudging of the fuel supply and his inadequate aircraft preflight. A factor was fuel exhaustion,

Full Narrative

On July 2, 1998, at 0800 eastern daylight time, a Wicks Fly Baby, N40349, piloted by a commercial pilot, received substantial damage when it impacted the terrain, during a forced landing after a loss of engine power during takeoff from runway 27 (2,585' X 100') at the Betz Airport, Blissfield, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. During the forced landing the airplane nosed over. Initial emergency response personnel indicated no smell of fuel in or around the wreckage. There was no evidence of a fuel spill on the ground. When the airplane was righted only unusable fuel was found in the tank. No other mechanical anomalies were found during the post accident examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWicks FLY BABY
Tail NumberN40349
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12F · Reciprocating · 85
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data