N39190Taylorcraft DC-652004-06-04 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Serious

Taylorcraft DC-65S/N: 4197

Summary

On June 04, 2004, a Taylorcraft DC-65 (N39190) was involved in an accident near Savannah, TN. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the subsequent loss of engine power.

On June 4, 2004, at 1600 central daylight time, aTaylorcraft DC-65, N39190, registered to and operated by a private pilot collided with the ground following a reported loss of engine power near Savannah, Tennessee. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot received serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Dayton, Tennessee, on June 4, 2004 at 1240 eastern daylight time.

According to friends of the pilot, he departed Dayton, Tennessee enroute to a resort location in Arkansas.

This accident is documented in NTSB report ATL04CA125. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N39190.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 4, 2004
NTSB Number
ATL04CA125
Location
Savannah, TN
Event ID
20040701X00895
Coordinates
35.458332, -88.216667
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the subsequent loss of engine power.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
TAYLORCRAFT
Serial Number
4197
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
DC-65TAYD
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
DC-65

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SOTTILE JOSEPH S JR
Address
4400 W EARHART WAY
City
CHANDLER
State / Zip Code
AZ 85226-4738
Country
United States

Analysis

On June 4, 2004, at 1600 central daylight time, aTaylorcraft DC-65, N39190, registered to and operated by a private pilot collided with the ground following a reported loss of engine power near Savannah, Tennessee. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot received serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Dayton, Tennessee, on June 4, 2004 at 1240 eastern daylight time.

According to friends of the pilot, he departed Dayton, Tennessee enroute to a resort location in Arkansas. The pilot stated that he departed with a total of 14 gallons of 100 low lead aviation fuel on board, and planned on making a refueling stop in Savannah, Tennessee. Approximately 5 nautical miles from the destination airport, the engine lost power. The pilot maneuvered for a forced landing to a hay field. In a written statement, the pilot stated that the airplane ran out of fuel.

The downed airplane was located approximately 310 degrees magnetic, and 5 statute miles from the Savannah Hardin County Airport, Savannah, Tennessee. Examination of the wreckage site revealed that the wreckage debris was scattered in the immediate vicinity of the downed airplane. During the examination of the fuel system, approximately one ounce of fuel was recovered from the fuel system. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assemblies and accessories revealed no anomalies.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL04CA125