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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 19, 2022 · Smith Miniplane DSA-1 · N208C

Union, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Union, NE
Aircraft
Smith Miniplane DSA-1 (1963)
Tail Number
N208C
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA260

The pilot reported that, while in cruise flight about 1,000 ft above ground level, the engine began running rough. The pilot subsequently made a forced landing into a wooded area, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed that no fuel was present in the fuel line from the engine-driven pump to the carburetor. The carburetor bowl was completely dry, and the fuel tank was empty when viewed with a borescope. No anomalies were observed with the fuel cap vent, filler neck, carburetor, engine cylinders, magnetos, or the engine’s mechanical continuity. Based on the available evidence, it is likely that the airplane’s fuel supply was exhausted due to the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, leading to a loss of engine power and forced landing. The airplane was not equipped with a fuel quantity gauge, which likely contributed to the pilot’s lack of awareness of the airplane’s low fuel state.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

On June 19, 2022, about 1030 central daylight time, a Smith Miniplane DSA-1, N208C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Union, Nebraska. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that, while cruising about 1,000 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. He landed the airplane into a wooded area, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the empennage, and fuselage. Post-accident examination revealed that no fuel was present in the fuel line from the engine-driven pump to the carburetor. The carburetor bowl was completely dry and clean, with a small amount of fuel in the accelerator pump cavity. The fuel tank was empty when viewed with a borescope, and the fuel selector valve was in the open position. No anomalies were noted with the fuel cap vent, filler neck, carburetor, cylinders, magnetos, or the engine’s mechanical continuity. The airplane was not equipped with a fuel quantity gauge.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSmith Miniplane DSA-1
Tail NumberN208C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Basc · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 13 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.08 inHg
Observation Time10:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data