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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 20, 2007 · Quad City Ultralight Challenger Special · UNREG

Orland, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 20, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Orland, CA
Aircraft
Quad City Ultralight Challenger Special
Tail Number
UNREG
Operator
Fredrick P Derose
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX07CA074

The engine lost power and the airplane impacted trees during the ensuing forced landing in an orchard 2 miles from the destination airport. The pilot had initiated the flight with 9.5 gallons of fuel on board. En route the pilot encountered adverse headwinds, and he subsequently reported that he could have diverted to alternate airports, but his "mind was set to continue" toward his destination. The pilot said that after flying about 2 3/4 hours, the fuel supply was exhausted. The unregistered airplane's fuel tank had a capacity of at least 9.5 gallons, which exceeded the 5-gallon maximum capacity requirement set forth in 14 CFR Part 103.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots improper in-flight decision to continue the flight rather than refuel resulting in fuel exhustion and the loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On January 20, 2007, about 1315 Pacific standard time, a Quad City Ultralight, Challenger Special (unregistered airplane), experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach to the Haigh Field, Orland, California. The airplane impacted almond trees and broke its wings during the ensuing forced landing in an orchard about 2 miles from the destination airport. The airplane was substantially damaged. The commercial certificated pilot was not injured during the personal flight that was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Lodi, California, about 1030. The pilot verbally reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he was aware his Challenger Special did not qualify to be operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 103, and technically it was not an ultralight vehicle. According to the pilot, he had departed Lodi with about 9.5 gallons of fuel on board, and the engine lost all power when the fuel was exhausted. The pilot additionally reported in his completed "Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report" that en route the prevailing wind speed increased. Although he could have landed at several airports prior to reaching his destination, his "mind was set to continue" onward, and he attempted to complete the flight. The Federal Aviation Administration coordinator verbally reported to the Safety Board investigator that he examined the accident airplane. The coordinator stated that the Challenger was not an ultralight vehicle for several reasons including the fact that, contrary to the requirements within 14 CFR Part 103, it had a fuel capacity that exceeded 5 U.S. gallons.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 PST
Nearest AirportHaigh Field (2nm)
Runway33
Runway Length4500 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftQuad City Ultralight Challenger Special
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFredrick P Derose
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 28
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 77 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330°, gusting 45 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data