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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 9, 2009 · Rockwell International 114 · N5872N

Birmingham, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Birmingham, AL
Aircraft
Rockwell International 114
Tail Number
N5872N
Operator
Staples Investment Group
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA093

The pilot stated that he was conducting an instrument-flight-rules flight with an estimated flight time of 1 hour and 33 minutes. He encountered unanticipated headwinds along the route of flight, and as he neared his destination airport he learned that weather conditions had deteriorated below minimums. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport, but was unable to complete the approach due to a windshear encounter. He then diverted to a third airport and reported that he was concerned about the airplane's available fuel. The pilot again aborted his first approach due to a windshear encounter and during a subsequent approach the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field prior to the runway. The airplane's nose and left main landing gears collapsed upon contact with a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he was conducting an instrument-flight-rules flight with an estimated flight time of 1 hour and 33 minutes. He encountered unanticipated headwinds along the route of flight, and as he neared his destination airport he learned that weather conditions had deteriorated below minimums. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport, but was unable to complete the approach due to a windshear encounter. He then diverted to a third airport and reported that he was concerned about the airplane's available fuel. The pilot again aborted his first approach due to a windshear encounter and during a subsequent approach the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field prior to the runway. The airplane's nose and left main landing gears collapsed upon contact with a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 CST
Nearest AirportBirmingham International (2nm)
Runway18
Runway Length7100 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell International 114
Tail NumberN5872N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStaples Investment Group
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 SER · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightNight
Wind170° @ 23 kt, gusting 34 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 63 F
Altimeter29.62 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data