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NTSB Report
April 20, 1991 · Smelser KR-2 · N570TS
Spokane, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Spokane, WA
Aircraft
Smelser KR-2
Tail Number
N570TS
Operator
Thomas W Smelser
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA91LA092
DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED AND THE ENGINE QUIT. A FORCED LANDING WAS INITIATED IN AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE POST-CRASH INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SHAFT OF A CURTIS QUICKDRAIN VALVE WAS MISSING WHICH ALLOWED THE FUEL TO DRAIN.
NTSB Probable Cause
A FAILURE OF THE FUEL DRAIN VALVE WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION AND A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Full Narrative
DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED AND THE ENGINE QUIT. A FORCED LANDING WAS INITIATED IN AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE POST-CRASH INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE SHAFT OF A CURTIS QUICKDRAIN VALVE WAS MISSING WHICH ALLOWED THE FUEL TO DRAIN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:10 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSmelser KR-2
Tail NumberN570TS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThomas W Smelser
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHapi · 60-2DM · Reciprocating · 75
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 6 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:10
Weather SourceWFAC