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NTSB Report
July 30, 1986 · Wheeler GOLD WING · N54314
Sturdevant, WI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sturdevant, WI
Aircraft
Wheeler GOLD WING
Tail Number
N54314
Operator
Hugh E Wheeler
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86FEP07
THIS AIRCRAFT FORCE LANDED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHEN THE WING STRUCK THE SHOULDER OF A DITCH DURING THE LANDING. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED (NOT IN ACCORDANCE TO THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS). ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE FUEL PUMP AS INSTALLED ON THIS HOMEBUILT WOULD QUIT OPERATING BECAUSE THE PUMP WAS MOUNTED BELOW THE IMPULSE NIPPLE OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, THE PRIMER SYSTEM FOR THIS ENGINE ALLOWED AIR TO LEAK INTO A FUEL LINE SUPPLYING FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
Full Narrative
THIS AIRCRAFT FORCE LANDED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHEN THE WING STRUCK THE SHOULDER OF A DITCH DURING THE LANDING. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED (NOT IN ACCORDANCE TO THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS). ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER, THE FUEL PUMP AS INSTALLED ON THIS HOMEBUILT WOULD QUIT OPERATING BECAUSE THE PUMP WAS MOUNTED BELOW THE IMPULSE NIPPLE OF THE ENGINE. ALSO, THE PRIMER SYSTEM FOR THIS ENGINE ALLOWED AIR TO LEAK INTO A FUEL LINE SUPPLYING FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSYLVANIA (5nm N)
Runway8L
Runway Length2300 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWheeler GOLD WING
Tail NumberN54314
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHugh E Wheeler
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCuyuna · 9600 · Reciprocating · 35
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind190° @ 8 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:46
Weather SourceWFAC