Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
loss of engine power due to restricted fuel flow for reasons undetermined. A contributing factor was the unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 10, 2002, approximately 1110 mountain standard time, a Doyle Kitfox III amateur-built airplane, N8SD, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during a forced landing near Windsor, Colorado. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 91. The flight originated at Greeley, Colorado, at 1045, and was en route to Loveland, Colorado.
According to the pilot's accident report, he was cruising at 800 feet above the ground when the engine lost power. He made a forced landing in a hay field. The tall grass caused the airplane to nose over, crushing the vertical stabilizer.
According to a statement made to the Weld County Sheriff's Office, the pilot indicated that "the engine stopped and the propeller also came to a complete stop." He also stated he was unsuccessful in attempting to restart the engine in flight.
Contacted after the accident, the pilot surmised "a fuel flow problem" had resulted in the loss of engine power.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN02LA031