CircumFlightN31CS Smith STEEN SKYBOLT accident
NTSB ERA15CA272 · 2015-07-18 · Junction City, KY · near DVK
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
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.
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.
Probable cause
The pilot's inaccurate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 230
- Wind speed (kt)
- 7
- Temperature (F)
- 90
- Nearest airport
- Stuart Powell Field
- Distance from field
- 1.0
- Airport elevation
- 1022
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N31CS | SMITH | STEEN SKYBOLT | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Approach-VFR go-around Fuel exhaustion defining | Cruise |
| 2 | Approach-VFR go-around Loss of engine power (total) | Cruise |
| 3 | Emergency descent Off-field or emergency landing | Descent |
| 4 | Landing Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) | Cruise |
Findings
| Finding | |
|---|---|
| Personnel issues-Task performance-Planning/preparation-Fuel planning-Pilot | cause |
| Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Not specified | cause |