HOMESTEAD, FL, USA
N82435
Dryer FISHER 404
The pilot stated he was at 1,000 feet when the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. He started a forced landing to a dirt road in a tomato field. The airplane collided with a tree short of his intended forced landing area and crashed. Examination of the crash site revealed a suitable forced landing area left of the pilots flight path. Examination of the engine assembly revealed an inoperative generator coil.
On March 25, 1999, about 0800 eastern standard time, an experimental Dryer airplane, Fisher 404, N82435, experienced a reported total loss of engine power in cruise flight in the vicinity of Homestead, Florida, while operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The pilot crashed during a forced landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Homestead General Airport, Homestead, Florida, about 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated he was in straight and level flight at 1,000 feet when the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. He started a forced landing to a dirt road in a tomato field. The airplane collided with a tree short of his intended forced landing area and crashed. Examination of the crash site revealed a suitable forced landing area was located to the left of the pilot's flight path, and the forced landing area was attainable. Examination of the engine assembly revealed an inoperative generator coil. The engine was equipped with an electronic ignition, which require battery power for its operation, the battery was depleted during the flight due to the generator failure.
The pilots improper in-flight planning/decision of an available forced landing area. This resulted in a subsequent in-flight collision with trees. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power due to an inoperative generator coil.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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