Stoddard-Hamilton GlaStar, N130GS: Accident occurred July 22, 2013 in Independence, Oregon

NTSB Identification: WPR13LA336 
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, July 22, 2013 in Independence, OR
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/30/2014
Aircraft: WESTER/STEIGER GLASTAR, registration: N130GS
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot reported that, while on final approach, the engine experienced a total loss of power and that he unsuccessfully attempted to restart it. He initiated a forced landing to a field, and, during the landing, the left float folded underneath the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Fuel was found on board, and it was not contaminated. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examinations did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. 

On July 22, 2013 about 1440 Pacific daylight time, an amphibious float equipped experimental-amateur built Wester/Steiger Glastar, N130GS, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in a field about 3 miles south of Independence State Airport (7S5), Independence, Oregon. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The cross-country flight originated from Charles M. Shultz-Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa, California, at 1100 with an intended destination of 7S5.

The pilot reported in a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) that while he was on a straight and final approach to runway 34, about 1,300 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot moved the throttle, turned the fuel boost pump on, and executed the emergency checklist. Despite his efforts, he could not restart the engine and initiated a forced landing to an open cropped field. During the landing, the left float folded underneath the fuselage and the airplane came to rest upright. 

Postaccident examination of the airplane was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, and revealed the left wing upper surface was buckled and the fuselage was damaged near the float to fuselage attach points. Continuity was obtained from the cockpit engine controls to the engine. Fuel samples from both wing tanks tested negative for contaminates and debris. The fuel was blue in color and was consistent with Avgas. Both the fuel boost pump and fuel transfer pump were turned on and both made audible indications of normal operation. The engine cowling was removed and revealed no signs of fuel or oil leakage. No anomalies were noted during the visual inspection of the engine. The propeller assembly was rotated by hand and had a resistance consistent with cylinder pressure. 

According to the FAA inspector, the pilot reported that he had planned a 3 hour 30 minute flight and had a total of 50 gallons of fuel onboard. The pilot estimated a fuel burn rate of about 10.5 gallons per hour, totaling 36.75 gallons of fuel. 

During the wreckage recovery process, 7.5 gallons of fuel was drained from the wing tanks. The fuel selector was found in the OFF position.

According to the airplane logbooks, on March 30, 2002, a header tank system was installed on the airplane which would make all fuel within the wing fuel tanks usable.

http://registry.faa.gov/N130GS

NTSB Identification: WPR13LA336
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, July 22, 2013 in Independence, OR
Aircraft: WESTER W G/STEIGER E R GLASTAR, registration: N130GS
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On July 22, 2013 about 1440 Pacific daylight time, an experimental-amateur built Wester W. G./Steiger E. R. Glastar, N130GS, sustained substantial damage after a forced landing in a field about 3 miles south of Independence State Airport (7S5), Independence, Oregon. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Santa Rosa, California with a destination in the Seattle, Washington area.

According to the pilot, the airplane was equipped with amphibious floats. He was about 2,000 feet above the ground, flying a straight in approach to runway 34 at 7S5, when the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot subsequently made a forced landing to a field where during the landing roll, the left float folded underneath the fuselage. The left wing sustained substantial damage and had buckled skin at the wings upper mid-section.


 A California man and his 16-year-old son were uninjured when their plane crashed into a wheat field in Independence Monday afternoon, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert DeHoney left Santa Rosa, Calif. Monday morning with plans refuel at the Independence Airport on his way to the San Juan Islands.

Around 3 p.m., DeHoney was making his approach into the airport when his 1999 Glastar Experimental lost power. He told deputies he circled the area looking for a body of water large enough for him to land. When he couldn’t find one, he landed the wheat field.

The plane sustained minor damage.

DeHoney and his son were given a ride to the Independence Airport where they made arrangements to continue their trip.