Aviation Accident Summary CHI03LA120

Peculiar, MO, USA

Aircraft #1

N42KY

Yadon Starflight Stiletto

Analysis

The amateur-built airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing into trees after a complete loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot reported he was in cruise flight when, "the engine stopped running after I inadvertently hit the 'KILL' switch. Realizing what I had done, I place the switch back in the 'ON' position, but could not get the engine to restart." The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing to a clearing, but the airplane hit two tall trees and became hung up in their branches. The pilot exited the airplane and climbed down to lower branches where rescuers assisted in getting him to the ground. The pilot reported he will change the location of the kill switch when he rebuilds the airplane.

Factual Information

On April 20, 2003, at 1500 central daylight time, an amateur-built Yadon Starflight Stiletto, N42KY, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing into trees after a complete loss of engine power during cruise flight near Peculiar, Kansas. The private pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight departed the Hillside Airport, Stilwell, Kansas, at 1445, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported he was in cruise flight when, "the engine stopped running after I inadvertently hit the 'KILL' switch. Realizing what I had done, I place the switch back in the 'ON' position, but could not get the engine to restart." The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing to a clearing, but the airplane hit two tall trees and became hung up in their branches. The pilot exited the airplane and climbed down to lower branches where rescuers assisted in getting him to the ground. The pilot reported he will change the location of the kill switch when he rebuilds the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadvertent shutdown of the engine. Contributing factors were unsuitable terrain and trees.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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