Summary
On September 18, 2009, a Linke KR-2 (N4207Z) was involved in an accident near Mt. Vernon, IL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The inadequate preflight planning/preparation and fuel management by the pilot which led to fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during approach. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative fuel indicator.
The pilot was en route to the destination airport when the airplane's fuel indicating rod became stuck in the full position, which it had done on previous occasions. The pilot determined, based upon his calculations, that he would have enough fuel to complete the flight. During approach to the airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and the pilot executed a forced landing on a bean field. During the landing, the airplane hit trees and impacted the field resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot sustained minor injuries. There was no usable fuel aboard the airplane. The pilot stated that he miscalculated the fuel consumption during the flight and failed to make a precautionary landing when the fuel indicating rod became stuck.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA593. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4207Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The inadequate preflight planning/preparation and fuel management by the pilot which led to fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during approach. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative fuel indicator.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot was en route to the destination airport when the airplane's fuel indicating rod became stuck in the full position, which it had done on previous occasions. The pilot determined, based upon his calculations, that he would have enough fuel to complete the flight. During approach to the airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and the pilot executed a forced landing on a bean field. During the landing, the airplane hit trees and impacted the field resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot sustained minor injuries. There was no usable fuel aboard the airplane. The pilot stated that he miscalculated the fuel consumption during the flight and failed to make a precautionary landing when the fuel indicating rod became stuck.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA593