Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA15CA272

Junction City, KY, USA

Aircraft #1

N31CS

SMITH STEEN SKYBOLT

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

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 and Findings

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

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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