N31CS

Substantial
Minor

SMITH STEEN SKYBOLTS/N: 1

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 18, 2015
NTSB Number
ERA15CA272
Location
Junction City, KY
Event ID
20150720X33339
Coordinates
37.577499, -84.769447
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inaccurate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N31CS
Make
SMITH
Serial Number
1
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
STEEN SKYBOLTDSA1
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
PACKARD GLENN S
Address
23 PERRY LN
Status
Deregistered
City
HATTIESBURG
State / Zip Code
MS 39401-8026
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that the accident flight was his first flight in the experimental airplane. He planned a fuel stop during his long cross-country flight based on an estimated 12 gallons per hour fuel consumption rate. The pilot further stated that his estimated fuel consumption rate did not account for the fact that the engine had been upgraded from carbureted to fuel injected. During the first leg of the cross-country flight, the airplane was on approach to the planned fuel-stop airport; however, the pilot performed a go-around as the airplane ballooned during flare. During the go-around, about 500 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane struck an unoccupied house and came to rest on its right side. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane's single fuel tank was not compromised and was absent of fuel. The examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The inspector also noted the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA15CA272