Summary
On July 22, 1998, a Wiles S1-C (N43JW) was involved in an incident near Yelm, WA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: Fuel exhaustion due to overflying an intermediate fuel stop. Factors include high grass in the forced landing area.
On July 22, 1998, approximately 1230 Pacific daylight time, an amateur-built Wiles Pitts S1-C, N43JW, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Yelm, Washington, after fuel exhaustion. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no fire.
The pilot stated to FAA inspectors that he ran out of fuel while on a flight from Arlington, Washington, and he initiated a forced landing into a field about a mile from Western Airpark, which was his final destination. He noted that he had approximately 12 gallons of fuel on board when he departed Arlington, and that he had overflown Auburn, Washington, where he had originally intended to land.
This incident is documented in NTSB report SEA98LA169. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N43JW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
Fuel exhaustion due to overflying an intermediate fuel stop. Factors include high grass in the forced landing area.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 22, 1998, approximately 1230 Pacific daylight time, an amateur-built Wiles Pitts S1-C, N43JW, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Yelm, Washington, after fuel exhaustion. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no fire.
The pilot stated to FAA inspectors that he ran out of fuel while on a flight from Arlington, Washington, and he initiated a forced landing into a field about a mile from Western Airpark, which was his final destination. He noted that he had approximately 12 gallons of fuel on board when he departed Arlington, and that he had overflown Auburn, Washington, where he had originally intended to land. When he realized he would have to make an off-airport landing, he selected a hay field about a mile north of the airport, touched down and got into some tall grass. The airplane nosed over onto its back.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA98LA169