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NTSB Report
April 11, 1982 · Martin-Pitts S1S · N61RM
Grain Valley, MO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 11, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Grain Valley, MO
Aircraft
Martin-Pitts S1S
Tail Number
N61RM
Operator
Michael W Williams
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC82FA055
THE PLT ESTIMATED THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ABOUT 10 GALS DURING PREFLIGHT. THE FUEL GAUGE IS A CLEAR TUBE EXTENDING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK UP THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE COCKPIT. A DIPSTICK WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE PLT FLEW TO LIBERTY, MO MADE TWO LANDINGS & RETURNED TO EAST KANSAS CITY. WHILE TURNING ON A RIGHT DOWNWIND THE ENG QUIT. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND IN THE TOPS OF TREES TO SOFTEN THE IMPACT. AN OPEN FIELD SUITABLE FOR LANDING WAS OVERFLOWN. OTHER PITTS PILOTS AT THE ARPT STATED THAT LANDING IN TREES WAS PREFERRED DUE TO THE HIGH SINK RATE OF THE ACFT.
Full Narrative
THE PLT ESTIMATED THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ABOUT 10 GALS DURING PREFLIGHT. THE FUEL GAUGE IS A CLEAR TUBE EXTENDING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK UP THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE COCKPIT. A DIPSTICK WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE PLT FLEW TO LIBERTY, MO MADE TWO LANDINGS & RETURNED TO EAST KANSAS CITY. WHILE TURNING ON A RIGHT DOWNWIND THE ENG QUIT. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND IN THE TOPS OF TREES TO SOFTEN THE IMPACT. AN OPEN FIELD SUITABLE FOR LANDING WAS OVERFLOWN. OTHER PITTS PILOTS AT THE ARPT STATED THAT LANDING IN TREES WAS PREFERRED DUE TO THE HIGH SINK RATE OF THE ACFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:20 CST
Nearest AirportEast Kansas City (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length3800 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMartin-Pitts S1S
Tail NumberN61RM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael W Williams
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEI0-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point11 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time08:49