N124SN

Substantial
None

NELSON STEVEN PAUL WAG-AEROSPORTSMAN2+2S/N: WA 674 SN

Accident Details

Date
Monday, May 17, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN10CA254
Location
Milica, MN
Event ID
20100517X40736
Coordinates
45.772220, -93.631942
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel management.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
NELSON STEVEN PAUL
Serial Number
WA 674 SN
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
WAG-AEROSPORTSMAN2+2
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
WAG-AEROSPORTSMAN2+2

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
WASATCH CONSULTING LLC
Address
1614 W CARLA VISTA DR
City
CHANDLER
State / Zip Code
AZ 85224-4272
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he and his passenger had flown for approximately 1.5 hours prior to returning to his airport for landing. Prior to landing, the pilot became distracted by other aircraft within the vicinity of the airport and "[the pilot] forgot to switch to 'both' [tanks] on the fuel selector." During the landing, the airplane bounced and the pilot executed a go-around in order to perform "a better landing." While executing a go-around, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway; however, the airplane touched down in a field and the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported that he forgot to switch fuel tanks during the flight and that was the reason the engine lost power. Examination of the airplane revealed the left main wing spar was bent.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA254