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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 3, 2003 · Mielec PZL-M-18 · N45051

Immokalee, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 3, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Immokalee, FL
Aircraft
Mielec PZL-M-18
Tail Number
N45051
Operator
Douglas Hodges
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA029

According to the pilot, 20 minutes into the flight the engine flammed out while the airplane was in a left bank. As the pilot maneuvered for an emergency landing, the airplane's left wingtip struck trees, and the airplane collided with the ground. According to the pilot, in his preflight planning he did not compute the fuel consumption or reference the pilot operating handbook for the intended trip. The pilot stated he did not refuel the airplane after the initial load bearing trip. The pilot stated that this accident could have been prevented if he refueled the airplane before the initial load. According to the pilot this airplane is "notorious for poor fuel feeding when low on fuel".

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision by his improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in his failure to perform fuel consumption calculations and refueling of the aircraft.

Full Narrative

On January 3, 2003, at 1210 eastern standard time a Mielec PZL-M-18, N45051, registered to and operated by Airwork Enterprises of Florida, Inc., collided with trees following a loss of engine power at the Zipper Farms Airstrip in the vicinity of Immokalee, Florida. The agricultural flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from the Immokalee Airport in Immokalee, Florida, at 1145. The agricultural flight was circular in nature and lasted approximately 20 minutes.The pilot attempted to return to Immokalee Airport when a loss of engine power occurred. According to the pilot, the engine flammed out while the airplane was in a left bank. As the pilot maneuvered for an emergency landing, the left wingtip struck trees, and the airplane collided with the ground. The airplane slid backward and, rotated 180 degrees. According to the pilot, in his preflight planning he did not compute the fuel consumption or reference the pilot operating handbook for the intended flight. The pilot stated he did not refuel the airplane after the initial load bearing trip. Initial examination of the accident site revealed the airplane came to rest upright on its gear and slightly tilted to the left. No fuel was recovered from the right wing tank, 41 gallons of fuel was recovered from the left fuel tank. The wings and fuselage displayed impact damage. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assemblies and accessories rervealed no anomalies prior to impact. The pilot stated that this accident could have been prevented if he refueled the airplane before the initial load. According to the pilot this airplane is "notorious for poor fuel feeding when low on fuel".

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMielec PZL-M-18
Tail NumberN45051
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDouglas Hodges
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsLycoming · T53-L · Turboprop · 1100
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 52
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data