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NTSB Report
March 18, 2023 · Maule M-4-220C · N40635
Santa Ynez, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 18, 2023
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Santa Ynez, CA
Aircraft
Maule M-4-220C (1972)
Tail Number
N40635
Operator
Hartmann Peter C
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA131
The pilot reported that, while in a climb on the left crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern, the engine stopped producing power. He made a left turn toward the airport, activated the electric fuel pump, and changed the fuel selector valve position from the left-wing fuel tank to the right-wing fuel tank. Despite the pilot’s attempts, the engine would not restart, and the pilot made a forced landing in a vineyard. The pilot stated that he believes he unported the available fuel in the left tank while in the climbing left-hand turn. The left wing and left elevator were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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 loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while in a climb on the left crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern, the engine stopped producing power. He made a left turn toward the airport, activated the electric fuel pump, and changed the fuel selector valve position from the left-wing fuel tank to the right-wing fuel tank. Despite the pilot’s attempts, the engine would not restart, and the pilot made a forced landing in a vineyard. The pilot stated that he believes he unported the available fuel in the left tank while in the climbing left-hand turn. The left wing and left elevator were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 PDT
Nearest AirportSanta Ynez Airport (0.2nm S)
Runway08/2
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMaule M-4-220C
Tail NumberN40635
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHartmann Peter C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6H-350-C1 · Reciprocating · 220
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 F / 45 F
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time09:15
Weather SourceWFAC