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NTSB Report

June 27, 2002 · Fay Velocity Elite · N2214W

Theodore, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Theodore, AL
Aircraft
Fay Velocity Elite
Tail Number
N2214W
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL02LA134

The pilot stated that he was focused on navigating and avoiding bad weather and did not pay enough attention to the fuel level. He said fuel burn was higher than planned, groundspeed was slower than planned, and the low fuel light came on, indicating four gallons remaining. The pilot located a field for landing but elected to continue to an airport, because the field did not appear large enough to allow for takeoff after fueling. While en route to the airport, the engine lost power, and the pilot landed the airplane in a peanut field and collided with bushes. The wreckage was found in the bushes on the west edge of a peanut field about 6 miles east of the airport. Examination of the airplane revealed the left wing was separated from the airframe and the nose sustained damage. No fuel was recovered from the fuel system, nor did the pilot report a mechanical problem with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate inflight planning for required fuel resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was unsuitable terrain.

Full Narrative

On June 27, 2002, at 1245 central daylight time, a David Fay Velocity Elite experimental airplane, N2214W, registered to and operated by the pilot, collided with the ground during a forced landing in a field in Theodore, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The private pilot received serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated in Sebastian, Florida, at 0900. The pilot was en route to Houston, Texas, with an intended fuel stop in Hammond, Louisiana. The pilot stated that, during the flight, he was focused on navigating and avoiding adverse weather, and he did not pay enough attention to the fuel level. He stated fuel burn was higher than planned, groundspeed was slower than planned, and the low fuel light came on over Mobile, Alabama, indicating four gallons remaining. The pilot located a field for landing but elected to continue to St. Elmo Airport in St. Elmo, Alabama, because the field did not appear large enough to allow for takeoff after fueling. While en route to St. Elmo, the airplane's engine lost power, and the pilot landed it in a peanut field and collided with bushes. The wreckage was found in the bushes on the west edge of a peanut field about 6 miles east of St. Elmo Airport. Examination of the airplane revealed the left wing was separated from the airframe and the nose sustained damage. No fuel was observed in the fuel tanks. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 CDT
Nearest AirportSt. Elmo, Alabama (6nm E)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFay Velocity Elite
Tail NumberN2214W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO 360 C1E6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data