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April 17, 2012 · Rockwell International S-2R · N4971X

Palouse, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Palouse, WA
Aircraft
Rockwell International S-2R
Tail Number
N4971X
Operator
Meines Interprises
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA172

The pilot landed after completing an aerial application to a field, and planned to refuel the airplane while the application tank was reloaded. He said that among other distractions, he was having problems with his global positioning system, and began discussing it with another pilot. The pilot reported that after takeoff, he realized that he did not have the ground crew refuel the airplane. He said that the destination field was close, so he decided to continue rather than return and refuel the airplane. He indicated that the fuel gauges indicated 1/4 capacity at takeoff and were bouncing around 1/8 capacity after he completed two passes. The engine subsequently lost power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot landed in a flat field, which was wet and soft. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over, substantially damaging the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction and subsequent failure to have the airplane refueled.

Full Narrative

The pilot landed after completing an aerial application to a field, and planned on refueling the airplane while the application tank was reloaded. He noted that among other distractions, he was having problems with his global positioning system (GPS), and began discussing it with another pilot. The pilot reported that after takeoff, he realized that he did not have the ground crew refuel the airplane. The destination field was close, so he decided to continue rather than return and fuel the airplane. The fuel gages indicated 1/4 capacity at takeoff, and were bouncing around 1/8 capacity after he completed two passes. The engine subsequently lost power due to fuel exhaustion, and the pilot landed in a flat field, which was wet and soft. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over, substantially damaging the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRockwell International S-2R
Tail NumberN4971X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMeines Interprises
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · R-1820 SER · Reciprocating · 1300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 32 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data