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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

August 19, 2000 · Ryan ST3KR · N54403

St. Lucie, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
St. Lucie, FL
Aircraft
Ryan ST3KR
Tail Number
N54403
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA00LA242

The pilot stated he was in cruise flight at 1,000 feet when he experienced a decrease in engine rpm. He applied carburetor heat and the rpm increased. About 5 minutes later, the engine experienced another decrease in engine rpm. He made a forced landing to a highway and collided with a tree. Examination of the engine assembly could not determine the reported partial loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper judgment to conduct a precautionary landing when he first experienced a partial loss of engine power, and his subsequent failure to maintain a visual lookout during a forced landing resulting in an in-flight collision with a tree. Contributing to the accident was a reported partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On August 19, 2000, at about 1058 eastern daylight time, a Ryan ST3KR, N54403, registered to GVS Corporation, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight crashed during a forced landing in the vicinity of St. Lucie, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport rated pilot-in-command (PIC), and commercial pilot-rated passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated from Fort Pierce, Florida, about 28 minutes before the accident. The PIC stated they were in cruise flight at 1,000 feet when he experienced a partial loss in engine power (rpm decreased to 1,000 rpm). He immediately turned on the carburetor heat, the rpm increased, and he continued with the flight. About 5 minutes later, he experienced a second partial loss of engine power and elected to make a forced landing to a highway. On final approach he observed power lines and cleared them. On touchdown the right wing collided with a tree at about mid wing. The airplane rotated to the right and turned over inverted. The pilot stated in the NTSB pilot/Operator aircraft Report that after lining up with the road he observed numerous automobiles facing him. He applied right rudder to avoid traffic when the right wing collided with a pine tree and a sable palm tree. The airplane yawed to the right followed by the left wing impacting another tree. The fuselage rolled over up against a tree inverted. Examination of the engine assembly could not determine the source of the reported loss of engine rpm. Fuel was present in the fuel tank, and the fuel tank vent was clear and the fuel cap was properly vented. No fuel was present in the gascolator, and the drain valve was found in the off position. The fuel selector valve was found in the reserve position and functioned normally when activated. The fuel strainer contained about 6 ounces of fuel and did not appear to be water contaminated. The fuel inlet screen on the carburetor was clean and the carburetor float bowl did not contain fuel. Compression and valve train continuity of the engine was established on all cylinders, and the impulse coupling equipped magneto supplied spark to all cylinders at the forward spark plugs. The aft row of spark plugs could not be checked due to the limited rotational speed provided by hand cranking. (For additional information see FAA Aviation Safety Inspector statement, an attachment to this report.)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:58 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRyan ST3KR
Tail NumberN54403
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsKinner · R-56 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:03
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data