Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Aerodynamic Stall / Spin: Beech A36 Bonanza, N710JT, accident occurred June 06, 2018 at Gilliam Airport (LA54), Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


http://registry.faa.gov/N710JT

Location: Gilliam, LA

Accident Number: GAA18CA335
Date & Time: 06/06/2018, 0910 CDT
Registration: N710JT
Aircraft: BEECH A36
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during a soft-field takeoff from a private grass airstrip, he applied slight aft pressure to the yoke to lighten the load on the nosewheel. The airplane became airborne, but while in ground effect, the left wing dropped about 10º, and the left main landing gear contacted the runway. The airplane settled back on the ground pointing about 30º left of the runway heading. The airplane then departed the runway to the left and ground looped, during which the left landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid backward and came to rest upright on the field adjacent the airstrip.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both ailerons.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot added that the airplane's weight and balance were within the operational limitations in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.

The automated weather observation system located on an airport 18 nautical miles (nm) south of the accident site reported that, about 17 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 90º at 5 knots. An automated weather observation station located on an airport 22 nm southeast of the accident site reported that, about 14 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 110º at 3 knots. The airplane departed from runway 26.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during a soft-field takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Findings

Aircraft
Angle of attack - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Aerodynamic stall/spin (Defining event)
Loss of control on ground
Runway excursion 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Flight Instructor
Age: 72, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane Multi-engine; Airplane Single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 02/16/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 10/19/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 18250 hours (Total, all aircraft), 48 hours (Total, this make and model), 14000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 87 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 52 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N710JT
Model/Series: A36
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: E-665
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3651 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: IO 520
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDTN, 179 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 165°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  6 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 90°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.93 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Moderate - Mist; No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Gilliam, LA (LA54)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Gilliam, LA (LA54)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time:  CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: GILLIAM (LA54)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 194 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough
Runway Used: 26
IFR Approach:None 
Runway Length/Width: 3100 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.837778, -93.837778 (est)

Taylor Coot Amphibian, N100TN: Accident occurred June 06, 2018 in Malone, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N100TN

Location: Malone, WI
Accident Number: GAA18CA329
Date & Time: 06/06/2018, 1900 CDT
Registration: N100TN
Aircraft: DOBBS GEORGE COOT
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Miscellaneous/other
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built amphibious airplane, during takeoff from a lake, the airplane bounced twice, but on the third bounce, the hull "gave way." Water entered the airplane, and the pilot exited through the canopy.

The pilot reported that the hull had been repaired previously, but it still had "some leakage" after the repair. Substantial damage was sustained to the forward left side of the hull where the sponson was attached.

Photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed long-term water damage to the plywood and fiberglass hull structure. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper decision to take off with a known structural issue, which resulted in hull damage. 

Findings

Aircraft
Fuselage main structure - Fatigue/wear/corrosion (Cause)

Personnel issues
Decision making/judgment - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Miscellaneous/other (Defining event)
Aircraft structural failure

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 61, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: None
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed
Last FAA Medical Exam: 08/04/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/23/2017
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 905.9 hours (Total, all aircraft), 12.9 hours (Total, this make and model), 905.9 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: DOBBS GEORGE
Registration: N100TN
Model/Series: COOT A
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: SS22
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Amphibian; Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/25/2017, Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 538 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-320-A2B
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 150 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KFLD, 807 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2353 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 187°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 250°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C / 13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Malone, WI
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Cheboygan, MI
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1910 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 44.047500, -88.440278 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Jabiru J230-SP, N748J, accident occurred June 06, 2018 at Springdale Municipal Airport (KASG), Arkansas


Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Little Rock, Arkansas

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N748J


Location: Springdale, AR
Accident Number: GAA18CA327
Date & Time: 06/06/2018, 0948 CDT
Registration: N748J
Aircraft: JABIRU USA SPORT AIRCRAFT LLC J230-SP
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The solo student pilot reported that, during takeoff, the airplane started to veer left. He attempted to recover with right rudder input, but the airplane continued to veer left, departed the runway, and then came to rest in a ditch against the perimeter fence.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left lift strut.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Runway excursion 

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 54
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Left 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/04/2018
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 30 hours (Total, all aircraft), 22 hours (Total, this make and model), 1 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 19 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)



Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: JABIRU USA SPORT AIRCRAFT LLC
Registration: N748J
Model/Series: J230-SP NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2011
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Special Light-Sport
Serial Number: 727
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/01/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1320 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 316.6 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Jabiru
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: 3300
Registered Owner: Real Time Engineering PA
Rated Power: 110 hp
Operator: Real Time Engineering PA
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None  

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KASG, 1353 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1448 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 150°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 180°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 29.99 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 20°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: SPRINGDALE, AR (ASG)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR
Destination: OZARK, AR (7M5)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time:  CDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: SPRINGDALE MUNI (ASG)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1352 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 18
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5302 ft / 76 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:N/A 
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.174167, -94.122222 (est)

Loss of Engine Power (total): Cessna 150F, N3002X, accident occurred June 18, 2018 in Ferdinand, Dubois County, Indiana


The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Indianapolis, Indiana

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


http://registry.faa.gov/N3002X 

Location: Ferdinand, IN
Accident Number: CEN18TA233
Date & Time: 06/18/2018, 2245 EDT
Registration: N3002X
Aircraft: CESSNA 150F
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The private pilot and passenger were on a cross-country personal flight at 2,500 ft mean sea level and were about 15 miles north of their destination airport. They began the descent, and during the descent, the engine sputtered, followed by a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the loss of power but was unsuccessful; however, he did not apply carburetor heat during the troubleshooting. Subsequently, the pilot made a forced landing to a parking lot. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted an embankment and nosed over.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that fuel was present in the fuel tanks and the fuel lines to the carburetor. Examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of serious carburetor icing at glide power settings. It is likely that, during the descent, carburetor ice accumulated due to the pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat, which resulted in the loss of engine power. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat in conditions conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Findings

Aircraft
Intake anti-ice, deice - Not used/operated (Cause)

Personnel issues
Lack of action - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Conducive to carburetor icing - Effect on equipment (Cause)
Sloped/uneven terrain - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information 

On June 18, 2018, about 2245 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150F airplane, N3002X, made a forced landing in a parking lot then nosed over in an embankment. The private rated pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to Gas Publishing LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The flight departed Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA), Mosinee, Wisconsin, about 1700 central daylight time and was en route to Perry County Municipal Airport (TEL), Tell City, Indiana.

After the accident, the pilot reported that before the flight he had filled the long range fuel tanks with 35 gallons of fuel. He stated that about 15 miles north of TEL at 2,500 ft mean seal level, the engine sputtered. The pilot was unable to troubleshoot the engine issue and the engine experienced a total loss of power. He made a forced landing to a paved parking lot between two rows of parked semi-trailers. The airplane landed hard and nosed over when it impacted an embankment (figure 1). The pilot and passenger exited the airplane under their own power. The pilot reported that there were not mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Figure 1 – Accident Site 
(photo courtesy of the Indiana State Police) 

The pilot stated to the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he did not apply carburetor heat during the troubleshoot. The pilot added that he tried to make it to Huntingburg Airport (HNB), Huntingburg, Indiana, but did not have enough altitude so he made an off-field landing. During the final approach to the paved area the pilot saw power lines and a utility pole; he stated that he banked the airplane to avoid the power lines and pole.

The FAA inspector examined the engine and did not find any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. There was a smell of aviation fuel at the accident site. An unmeasured amount of fuel remained in the fuel tanks during the recovery of the airplane. Also, fuel was present in the fuel lines to the carburetor.

The carburetor icing probability chart included in Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, indicated that the airplane was operating in an area that was associated with a serious risk of carburetor ice accumulation at glide power settings (figure 2).


Figure 2 – Carburetor icing probability chart

History of Flight

Approach
Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery

Landing
Off-field or emergency landing
Nose over/nose down 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 52, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/18/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 02/25/2017
Flight Time:  1009 hours (Total, all aircraft), 48 hours (Total, this make and model), 947 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 16 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N3002X
Model/Series: 150F F 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: 15064402
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1601 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: O-200A
Registered Owner: GAS PUBLISHING LLC
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Night
Observation Facility, Elevation: KHNB, 529 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2256 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 295°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 200°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Mosinee, WI (CWA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Tell City, IN (TEL)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1700 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class E

Airport Information

Airport: Huntingburg (HNB)
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 529 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Unknown
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 38.220556, -86.873056 (est)

Fuel Exhaustion: Cessna 152, N89887, accident occurred June 30, 2018 near Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (KECP), Bay County, Florida

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N89887



Location: Panama City, FL
Accident Number: GAA18CA419
Date & Time: 06/30/2018, 1645 CDT
Registration: N89887
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, 15 minutes into a cross-country flight, the airplane's engine lost rpm. He added power, and the engine regained rpm briefly before losing all power. The pilot selected a dirt road for an emergency landing, during which the nose landing gear touched down on a soft surface, and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wings and the front windshield.

The pilot reported that the airplane had 4.5 gallons of fuel on board at the last takeoff. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that, during postaccident examination of the airplane, the fuel tanks were found empty. The gascolator had residual fuel, and about 1 gallon of fuel was removed from the fuselage fuel drain. He added that, according to the manufacturer's specifications, the airplane should have had 1.5 gallons of unusable fuel. He turned on the airplane's master power switch to view the fuel quantity gauge indications, and the left-wing tank gauge indicated between empty and a quarter full with no fuel in the tank, and the right-wing fuel tank gauge indicated empty.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

Findings

Aircraft
Fuel - Fluid level (Cause)

Personnel issues
Fuel planning - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Soft surface - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Fuel exhaustion (Defining event)
Loss of engine power (total)
Off-field or emergency landing

Landing
Nose over/nose down 



Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 25, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 11/03/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/25/2018
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 198 hours (Total, all aircraft), 67 hours (Total, this make and model), 134 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 21 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 13 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N89887
Model/Series: 152 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 15282904
Landing Gear Type:Tricycle 
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection:  10/26/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1669 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 6735.7 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-235-L26
Registered Owner: Skyline Solutions Inc
Rated Power: 125 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Pilot School (141)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KECP, 69 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 3 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1045 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 94°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting:
Temperature/Dew Point: 32°C / 26°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Destin, FL (DTS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Panama City, FL (ECP)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1030 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 30.352500, -85.841111 (est)

Nose Over: Cessna 172B Skyhawk, N8090X, accident occurred June 20, 2018 in Bruington, Virginia






Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board 

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Richmond, Virginia

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:


Location: Bruington, VA
Accident Number: GAA18CA369
Date & Time: 06/20/2018, 1230 EDT
Registration: N8090X
Aircraft: CESSNA 172
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, after taking off from an unimproved gravel surface in a field, he did not feel comfortable with the airplane's performance, so he chose to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down on soft dirt, and the nose landing gear then dug into the dirt and separated from the airplane. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining to safely stop the airplane.

Findings

Personnel issues Decision making/judgment - Pilot
Environmental issues (general) - Decision related to condition
Aircraft (general) - Capability exceeded
Environmental issues Soft surface - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Takeoff-rejected takeoff Miscellaneous/other
Landing Part(s) separation from AC
Landing Nose over/nose down (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial; Flight Engineer; Military
Age: 52, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Lap Only
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/17/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/14/2018
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 10235 hours (Total, all aircraft), 350 hours (Total, this make and model), 2780 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 331 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 89 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N8090X
Model/Series: 172 B
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 17248590
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/23/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2250 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2872 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-300 SER
Registered Owner: JOHN E. CRUMPACKER
Rated Power: 145 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None  

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KXSA, 135 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1635 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 67°
Lowest Cloud Condition: 
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3200 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Bruington, VA
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Tappahannock, VA (XSA)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1230 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 37.821667, -76.969167 (est)