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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

November 1, 2000 · Aviat Pitts S-2B · N169DM

Worth, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 1, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Worth, IL
Aircraft
Aviat Pitts S-2B
Tail Number
N169DM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI01LA030

The airplane impacted the terrain following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that he performed a preflight of the airplane with the exception of verifying a chart used to keep track of the fuel on board. According to the pilot he thought there were 19 gallons of fuel on board, however, 15.2 gallons of the fuel were used on a previous flight. He reported, "...I misread that part of the calculation." Fuel exhaustion occurred about 20 minutes after takeoff while at an altitude of 1,050 feet above the ground. The pilot reported "Approximately 22 seconds later I impacted the ground with a 75' landing distance, measured using step method. A/C did not roll or tumble, but I was able to keep it upright through the impact. The speed of impact was approximately 110 mph as I had to avoid a bridge and set it down immediately." He reported on the form that the accident could have been prevented "By thorough ground, physical, preflight. Do not use a chart, without actual in sight ck. of fuel levels."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane and his failure to verify the fuel supply on board, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude at which the power loss occurred and the lack of suitable terrain given the low altitude.

Full Narrative

On November 1, 2000, at 1600 central standard time, an Aviat Pitts S-2B, N169DM, operated by a commercial pilot collided with the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The forced landing was made in a field near 115th and Beloit Avenue in Worth, Illinois. The pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from Kankakee, Illinois, at 1540. The pilot reported that he performed a preflight of the airplane with the exception of verifying a chart used to keep track of the fuel on board. According to the pilot he thought there were 19 gallons of fuel on board, however, 15.2 gallons of the fuel were used on a previous flight. He reported, "...I misread that part of the calculation." The pilot reported that fuel exhaustion occurred approximately 20 minutes after takeoff. He was at an altitude of 1,050 feet above the ground. He reported, "Approximately 22 seconds later I impacted the ground with a 75' landing distance, measured using step method. A/C did not roll or tumble, but I was able to keep it upright through the impact. The speed of impact was approximately 110 mph as I had to avoid a bridge and set it down immediately." The pilot completed an NTSB Form 6120.1/2. He reported on the form that the accident cold have been prevented "By thorough ground, physical, preflight. Do not use a chart, without actual in sight ck. of fuel levels."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAviat Pitts S-2B
Tail NumberN169DM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 260

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / 12 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data