N7530LUetz, Walter Spitfire II2008-06-19 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

Uetz, Walter Spitfire IIS/N: 15532

Summary

On June 19, 2008, a Uetz, Walter Spitfire II (N7530L) was involved in an accident near Kamiah, ID. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure maintain the proper descent rate during the last part of his approach to a forced landing in an open hayfield.

While on downwind for landing, the experimental airplane, which had nearly a full load of fuel onboard, experienced a total loss of engine power. During his attempt to execute a forced landing in a nearby open hayfield, the pilot allowed the airplane's descent rate to become excessive. The excessive descent rate resulted in a hard landing, during which both wing and fuselage structure were bent and fractured. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

This accident is documented in NTSB report SEA08CA154. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7530L.

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, June 19, 2008
NTSB Number
SEA08CA154
Location
Kamiah, ID
Event ID
20080718X01075
Coordinates
46.221668, -116.022781
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure maintain the proper descent rate during the last part of his approach to a forced landing in an open hayfield.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
UETZ, WALTER
Serial Number
15532
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1995
Model / ICAO
Spitfire IIBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HOWZEN MICHAEL M
Address
PO BOX 210
Status
Deregistered
City
ELK CITY
State / Zip Code
ID 83525-0210
Country
United States

Analysis

While on downwind for landing, the experimental airplane, which had nearly a full load of fuel onboard, experienced a total loss of engine power. During his attempt to execute a forced landing in a nearby open hayfield, the pilot allowed the airplane's descent rate to become excessive. The excessive descent rate resulted in a hard landing, during which both wing and fuselage structure were bent and fractured. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA08CA154