N4207Z

Substantial
Minor

Linke KR-2S/N: 0664

Accident Details

Date
Friday, September 18, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA593
Location
Mt. Vernon, IL
Event ID
20090918X11241
Coordinates
38.327777, -88.858612
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

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

Registration
N4207Z
Make
LINKE
Serial Number
0664
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1983
Model / ICAO
KR-2SA02
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BULLA ROGER
Address
3091 HOISINGTON AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
GRAND JUNCTION
State / Zip Code
CO 81504-4312
Country
United States

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