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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 18, 2015 · Smith Steen Skybolt · N31CS

Junction City, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 18, 2015
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Junction City, KY
Aircraft
Smith Steen Skybolt (1979)
Tail Number
N31CS
Operator
Packard Glenn S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15CA272

The pilot reported that the accident flight was his first flight in the experimental airplane. He planned a fuel stop during his long cross-country flight based on an estimated 12 gallons per hour fuel consumption rate. The pilot further stated that his estimated fuel consumption rate did not account for the fact that the engine had been upgraded from carbureted to fuel injected. During the first leg of the cross-country flight, the airplane was on approach to the planned fuel-stop airport; however, the pilot performed a go-around as the airplane ballooned during flare. During the go-around, about 500 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane struck an unoccupied house and came to rest on its right side. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane's single fuel tank was not compromised and was absent of fuel. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The inspector also noted the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inaccurate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the accident flight was his first flight in the experimental airplane. He planned a fuel stop during his long cross-country flight based on an estimated 12 gallons per hour fuel consumption rate. The pilot further stated that his estimated fuel consumption rate did not account for the fact that the engine had been upgraded from carbureted to fuel injected. During the first leg of the cross-country flight, the airplane was on approach to the planned fuel-stop airport; however, the pilot performed a go-around as the airplane ballooned during flare. During the go-around, about 500 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane struck an unoccupied house and came to rest on its right side. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane's single fuel tank was not compromised and was absent of fuel. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The inspector also noted the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportStuart Powell Field (1nm SSW)
Runway30
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSmith Steen Skybolt
Tail NumberN31CS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPackard Glenn S
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data