Casualties unknown

Experimental Homebuilt Aircraft Noses Over During Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss (N94SM)

Bartlesville, OK, US

On June 7, 2003, a Manweiler ACRO SPORT II (registration N94SM) was involved in an aviation accident near Bartlesville, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A related factor was the lack of suitable terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An experimental homebuilt airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The pilot had requested fuel but it was not provided, and he departed without checking fuel quantity.

Accident Overview

An experimental home-built airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing after experiencing a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that he had requested fuel prior to departure from the Newton Country Airport (EWK), but fuel servicing was not performed on the aircraft as requested. Despite this, the pilot departed without checking the fuel quantity.

Emergency Landing

Following the engine power loss, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in the inverted position, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that he had explicitly requested fuel service before departure, but it was not carried out. He acknowledged that he did not verify the fuel quantity before taking off.

Damage

The aircraft, described as an experimental home-built airplane, sustained substantial damage due to the forced landing and subsequent nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030610X00835. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.