Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI93LA368

CARBONDALE, IL, USA

Aircraft #1

N25DK

KEWLEY KR2

Analysis

THERE WAS A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS THE AIRPLANE WAS DESCENDING FOR AN APPROACH TO LAND. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER REALIZING THAT HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REACH THE AIRPORT, THE PILOT INITIATED A FORCED LANDING ON A NEARBY FIELD. ACCORDING TO AN INVESTIGATING OFFICER FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE PILOT BELIEVED THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING BECAUSE IT WAS 'OUT OF FUEL.'

Factual Information

On September 17, 1993, about 0950 central daylight time, a Kewley KR2 homebuilt airplane, N25DK, experienced a loss of engine power during descent and landed off-airport near Carbondale, Illinois. The airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing. The solo private pilot reported minor injury. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight. The flight originated from Peru, Illinois about 0740 without a flight plan and operated under 14 CFR 91. The pilot stated that while he was descending for an approach to land at Carbondale Airport, the airplane's engine sputtered once, ran for a few seconds, and then died. Attempts at restarting the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot elected to make a forced landing on a field after realizing that he would not be able to make the airport. Upon impact, the airplane's nose wheel collapsed and the prop broke off. The airplane flipped on its back before stopping. According to the Investigating Officer from the Sheriff's Department, who was at the scene, the pilot stated that he believed the engine stopped running because it was out of fuel.

Probable Cause and Findings

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO LACK OF FUEL.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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