2024 De Havilland DHC-1 Accident Near East Troy, Wisconsin (N420TD)

Incident Overview and Immediate Sequence of Events On November 6, 2024, at approximately 1555 central standard time, a De Havilland DHC-1, registration N420TD, was involved in an accident near East Troy, Wisconsin. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal operation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, the left wing fuel tank contained 3 gallons and the right wing fuel tank contained 4 gallons, based on fuel gauges and visual checks. After departing, the pilot completed one touch-and-go landing and flew approximately 3 miles west to perform two steep turns. Upon returning to the airport, the pilot was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern when the left wing fuel gauge indicated 2 gallons and the right wing fuel gauge indicated 3 gallons. During the final approach at an altitude of 250 to 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restore power by changing the fuel tank selector, but the engine did not restart. The pilot executed a forced landing approximately 300 to 400 feet short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.