On January 26, 2006, a Globe GC-1B (registration N3292K) was involved in an aviation accident near West Palm Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power during descent due to an undetermined reason, which resulted in an off-airport forced landing and collision with a culvert. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A solo private pilot experienced a total loss of engine power while descending for landing. Unable to restore power, he performed a forced landing in a grass field, where the left main landing gear struck a culvert, causing the gear to collapse and substantial damage to the aircraft.
Accident Details
The solo private pilot was preparing to land following a personal flight. As the airplane descended to about 1,000 feet msl, all engine power was lost. The pilot performed engine emergency procedures but was unable to restore engine power. He then selected a grass-covered field as a forced landing site.
During the forced landing, the left main gear wheel struck a culvert, causing the left main landing gear to collapse. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Fuel Information
The airplane's maximum fuel capacity is about 55.6 gallons, with 52 gallons of usable fuel. Unusable fuel is about 3.6 gallons, or 1.8 gallons per side. The fuel tanks were not breached during the accident. Salvage crews reported draining about 5 gallons of fuel from the accident airplane prior to recovery.