Summary
On July 14, 2001, a Pitenpol Aircamper 1933 (N1777W) was involved in an accident near Hernando, FL. The accident resulted in 2 serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.
On July 14, 2001, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Pitenpol Aircamper 1933, N1777W, registered to a private individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted with terrain during a forced landing near Hernando, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The commercial-rated pilot, and a passenger/owner reported serious injuries. The flight had departed from Spruce Creek, Florida, en route to Hernando, at 1100.
The pilot stated, "...engine failure occurred...pilot attempted to re-start using back-up ignition with no results.
This accident is documented in NTSB report MIA01LA186. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1777W.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 14, 2001, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Pitenpol Aircamper 1933, N1777W, registered to a private individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted with terrain during a forced landing near Hernando, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The commercial-rated pilot, and a passenger/owner reported serious injuries. The flight had departed from Spruce Creek, Florida, en route to Hernando, at 1100.
The pilot stated, "...engine failure occurred...pilot attempted to re-start using back-up ignition with no results. Pilot then located an emergency landing site and negotiated landing...upon impact...landing gear collapsed and wing collapsed...fuel tank was ruptured and ignited...."
According to the airplane's owner, who was seated in the front seat, "..…flight normal to within 5 miles of destination. Cruise speed 80 mph. Cruise altitude 800 feet. Shortly after power reduction to low cruise setting, engine quits. Pilot attempts re-start, but does not use carb heat. Pilot attempts a landing on a smooth field…..at approximately 80 feet AGL and 50 mph, pilot attempts sharp bank. Plane stalls and spins into ground..…plane ignites 60 seconds after impact..…engine recovered on Oct. 15, 2001, put on test stand and run. Engine runs perfectly. Engine torn down and inspected by A&P mechanic. No damage of any type found."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA01LA186