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NTSB Report
May 18, 1991 · Australite Aerobat FPP1 Aerobat FP · N117BT
Odessa, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 18, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Odessa, TX
Aircraft
Australite Aerobat FPP1 Aerobat FP
Tail Number
N117BT
Operator
Australite
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW91LA083
A PRIVATE PILOT WAS RETURNING TO LAND AFTER COMPLETING A PUBLIC AEROBATICS DEMONSTRATION AT AN AIR SHOW. WHILE ON BASE LEG, A POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE RUNWAY, SO HE ELECTED TO CONTINUE ON HIS PRESENT HEADING AND LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD COVERED WITH SMALL MESQUITE TREES. A SUCCESSFUL LANDING WAS MADE, BUT WHILE ON THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED SEVERAL SMALL TREES. THE TAILBOOM BROKE TWO FEET BEHIND THE PROPELLER ARC LINE. THE FRONT CANOPY PLEXIGLASS WAS ALSO BROKEN. THE FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE WAS CAUSED BY A CRACKED QUARTER INCH ALUMINUM FUEL LINE INSIDE THE FUEL CELL.
NTSB Probable Cause
FUEL STARVATION AS A RESULT OF A CRACKED FUEL LINE INSIDE THE FUEL CELL. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
A PRIVATE PILOT WAS RETURNING TO LAND AFTER COMPLETING A PUBLIC AEROBATICS DEMONSTRATION AT AN AIR SHOW. WHILE ON BASE LEG, A POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE RUNWAY, SO HE ELECTED TO CONTINUE ON HIS PRESENT HEADING AND LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD COVERED WITH SMALL MESQUITE TREES. A SUCCESSFUL LANDING WAS MADE, BUT WHILE ON THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED SEVERAL SMALL TREES. THE TAILBOOM BROKE TWO FEET BEHIND THE PROPELLER ARC LINE. THE FRONT CANOPY PLEXIGLASS WAS ALSO BROKEN. THE FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE WAS CAUSED BY A CRACKED QUARTER INCH ALUMINUM FUEL LINE INSIDE THE FUEL CELL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:19 CDT
Nearest AirportOdessa-Schlemeyer (0nm N)
Runway16
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAustralite Aerobat FPP1 Aerobat FP
Tail NumberN117BT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAustralite
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 583 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 11 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT