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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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May 19, 2016 · Waco Classic Aircraft YMF NO Series · N56ED

West Des Moines, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2016
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
West Des Moines, IA
Aircraft
Waco Classic Aircraft YMF NO Series (1998)
Tail Number
N56ED
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA196

While approaching the airport for landing at the conclusion of a local flight, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot selected a field as a forced landing site, but noted a "ravine" in the middle of the field. Although the pilot attempted to "bounce" the airplane over the ravine during the landing, the airplane impacted the ravine wall and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane, and that the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation, because he forgot to open the left fuel tank shut-off valve.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's mismanagement of the airplane's fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On May 19, 2016, about 1830 central daylight time, a Waco YMF airplane, N56ED, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near West Des Moines, Iowa. The pilot received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries. The airplane sustained damage to the firewall, lower forward fuselage, landing gear, and both lower wings. The aircraft was registered to Oakwood Group, LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The local flight originated from the Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines, Iowa, about 1810. The pilot reported that when returning from a local flight the airplane's engine lost all power about 2-3 miles from the airport. The pilot executed a forced landing to a grass field; however, the field had a "ravine" running through it and he attempted to bounce the airplane over the ravine during the landing. The airplane did not clear the ravine and struck the ravine wall. The pilot reported that the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation because he forgot to open the left fuel tank shut off valve. He reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWaco Classic Aircraft YMF NO Series
Tail NumberN56ED
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJacobs · R755B SERIES · Reciprocating · 275
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 36 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time23:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data