Pilot Debrief

WACO CLASSIC AIRCRAFT CORP YMF near West Des Moines, IA — 2016-05-19

Final reportCEN16LA196
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Date
2016-05-19
Location
West Des Moines, IA, USA
Aircraft
WACO CLASSIC AIRCRAFT CORP YMF
Registration
N56ED
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's mismanagement of the airplane's fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

While approaching the airport for landing at the conclusion of a local flight, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot selected a field as a forced landing site, but noted a "ravine" in the middle of the field. Although the pilot attempted to "bounce" the airplane over the ravine during the landing, the airplane impacted the ravine wall and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane, and that the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation, because he forgot to open the left fuel tank shut-off valve.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot forgot to open the left fuel tank shut off valve before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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