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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 16, 2015 · Burton Dennis W Sonex NO Series · N683DB

Wolcottville, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 2015
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Wolcottville, IN
Aircraft
Burton Dennis W Sonex NO Series (2007)
Tail Number
N683DB
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA234

During a local flight, the pilot reported that his engine quit while maneuvering about 1,200 above ground level. The pilot stated that his only option was to land in a soy bean field, and he attempted to fly as slow as possible prior to touchdown. After rolling about 50 feet in the field the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported that for the majority of the 30 minute flight, he was flying with the fuel mixture full rich. He stated that he did not depart with full fuel, and must have been burning fuel at a higher rate than he originally anticipated. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, during a postaccident examination the airplane's fuel tanks were empty and no fuel was found at the tank sumps. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The vertical stabilizer and left wing sustained substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a forced off-airport landing, and nose over.

Full Narrative

During a local flight, the pilot reported that his engine quit while maneuvering about 1,200 above ground level. The pilot stated that his only option was to land in a soy bean field, and he attempted to fly as slow as possible prior to touchdown. After rolling about 50 feet in the field the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported that for the majority of the 30 minute flight, he was flying with the fuel mixture full rich. He stated that he did not depart with full fuel, and must have been burning fuel at a higher rate than he originally anticipated. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector, during a postaccident examination the airplane's fuel tanks were empty and no fuel was found at the tank sumps. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The vertical stabilizer and left wing sustained substantial damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBurton Dennis W Sonex NO Series
Tail NumberN683DB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 3300A · Reciprocating · 120
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind220° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data