Accident Overview
On November 12, 2016, at approximately 1300 central standard time, a Weatherly Aviation Company 620B airplane (registration N2035J) was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Coleman, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Burkett Aviation under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 for an aerial spraying practice flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight Details
The flight departed a private airstrip at around 1200. The pilot, who was flying his initial flight in this model, reported a total loss of engine power during a climb following a practice spray pass. He executed a forced landing into an adjacent wheat field. During the rollout, trees and a fence were in the path, prompting the pilot to aggressively apply brakes, resulting in a nose-over and damage to the vertical stabilizer.
Prior to takeoff, the owner advised the pilot to switch from the left fuel tank to the right tank after about 40 minutes of flight. This advice was based on the engine's typical fuel burn of approximately 33 gallons per hour and the fuel tank capacity of 35 gallons per wing. The owner estimated the airplane was airborne for about one hour.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a local mechanic revealed fuel leaking from a breached left fuel tank. The right fuel tank was intact but empty. The fuel selector was found in the right tank position. After the airplane was flipped upright, the propeller was rotated, and normal engine continuity was observed. Fuel was added to the right tank, and the engine started and ran for about 10 seconds before stopping. Additional attempts to start the engine were unsuccessful due to the unavailability of a powered electrical source.
Fuel System Issues
The right fuel tank low-level warning light was tested and initially found to be inoperable. After adjusting the sensor in the right fuel tank, the warning light operated normally. The owner stated that the low fuel warning system had been intermittent during previous flights.