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NTSB Report
September 27, 1986 · White Lightning Aircraft WLAC-1 · N100WL
Wilmington, DE
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 27, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wilmington, DE
Aircraft
White Lightning Aircraft WLAC-1
Tail Number
N100WL
Operator
Howell C Jones
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO86FHD04
DURING A VFR-ON-TOP FLT WITH NO FLT PLAN, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL STARVATION. THE PLT DID NOT RECOGNIZE THAT FUEL WAS STILL REMAINING IN A NON-SELECTED AUX TANK. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED DURING A FORCED LANDING ON THE MEDIAN OF A HIGHWAY. PROPERTY DAMAGE CONSISTED OF BROKEN UTILITY WIRES. THE PLT WAS UNAWARE THAT HIS PARTNER HAD MADE A FUEL SYSTEM MODIFICATION TO THE HOME BUILT ACFT BY ROUTING THE RETURN FUEL TO THE AUX TANK RATHER THAN THE MAIN TANK.
Full Narrative
DURING A VFR-ON-TOP FLT WITH NO FLT PLAN, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL STARVATION. THE PLT DID NOT RECOGNIZE THAT FUEL WAS STILL REMAINING IN A NON-SELECTED AUX TANK. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED DURING A FORCED LANDING ON THE MEDIAN OF A HIGHWAY. PROPERTY DAMAGE CONSISTED OF BROKEN UTILITY WIRES. THE PLT WAS UNAWARE THAT HIS PARTNER HAD MADE A FUEL SYSTEM MODIFICATION TO THE HOME BUILT ACFT BY ROUTING THE RETURN FUEL TO THE AUX TANK RATHER THAN THE MAIN TANK.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:28 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWhite Lightning Aircraft WLAC-1
Tail NumberN100WL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHowell C Jones
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-360 · Reciprocating
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 15 kt
Visibility1 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:42
Weather SourceWFAC