Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by failing to ensure there was an inadequate supply of fuel for the flight, which led to fuel exhaustion, loss of engine power, and a forced landing. Uneven terrain in the emergency landing area was a related factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 3, 1997, at 1745 central daylight time, a Snow S2C, N1684S, operated by a commercial pilot, collided with the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The accident occurred in Viola, Illinois. The pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from the Aledo, Illinois, at 1458 cdt.
The pilot reported he had a full chemical load and a full load of fuel (100 gallons) on takeoff. He reported he sprayed 6 different fields and while spraying the last field a loss of power occurred. The pilot attempted to circle around and land in the field which he was spraying. The airplane touched down in the field; however, it continued to travel across a road and an embankment prior to coming to rest.
Inspection of the airplane immediately following the accident revealed a lack of fuel in the fuel tanks. See attached Illinois State Police Aircraft Accident Report. In addition, the owner/operator of the airplane stated the pilot ran the airplane out of fuel.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI97LA199