# NTSB CEN12CA003: Sadler Terry Rans S-7 Courier, N2417T, Riley, KS, October 1, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 1, 2011, 17:10 local (22:10 UTC) - Place: Riley, KS - Coordinates: 39.302223, -96.755279 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3022&lon=-96.7553&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report January 18, 2012 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA Wichita FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 81969 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN12CA003 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/81969/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81969 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA003 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and failure to ensure that the fuel shutoff valve was turned on before departure. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fuel system: fuel selector/shutoff valve](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Not used/operated (probable cause); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823/cases.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 176 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022823/cases.md) - [Action: forgotten action/omission](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 440 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md) - [Equipment/furnishings: passenger compartment equip](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022520): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Not used/operated; cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022520/cases.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 24 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022520/cases.md) - [Inspection: preflight inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 551 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Aircraft inspection event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 229 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/050/sequence.md) - [Prior to flight: Cabin safety event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/110); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/110/sequence.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 151 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/110/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) (defining event); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Landing: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Landing: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=05615N4), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he had finished flying for the day and had turned off the fuel shutoff valve and tied the airplane down. He noticed a family with a 10-year-old boy at the airport and offered to give the boy a ride around the field. The pilot untied the airplane, put the boy in the back seat, started the engine, and taxied to the runway. During takeoff, about 30 feet above ground level, the engine stopped and the airplane impacted the ground and obstructions on the edge of the airport. The impact collapsed the left main landing gear and deformed the forward lower fuselage, causing substantial damage. The pilot reported that he had failed to complete a preflight cockpit check and did not turn on the fuel shutoff valve. In addition, the pilot reported that shoulder harnesses were installed and available but were not worn. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he was finished flying for the day and had turned off the fuel shutoff valve and tied the airplane down. He noticed a family with a 10-year old boy at the airport and offered to give the boy a “quick ride around the field.” The pilot untied the airplane, put the boy in the back seat, started the engine and taxied to the runway. During take-off, about 30 feet above ground level, the engine stopped and the airplane impacted terrain and obstructions on the edge of the airport. The impact collapsed the left main landing gear and deformed the forward lower fuselage causing substantial damage. The pilot reported that he had failed to complete a preflight cockpit check and turn on the fuel shutoff valve. In addition, the pilot reported that shoulder harnesses were installed and available, but were not worn. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2417T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2417T), registered now, S/N 0496185, built 2003 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SADLER TERRY RANS S-7 COURIER - Registry model: [Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER](https://openairdocs.org/model/sadler-terry-rans-s-7-courier) (registry code 05615N4) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax SEE BOMBADIER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-see-bombadier) (registry code 55555, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 0496185 - Airframe hours: 186 - Engines: ROTAX 912 80 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, September 15, 2010, 14 hours before - Departed: 1KS3, Riley, KS - Destination: 1KS3, Riley, KS - Flight plan: Unknown - Airport: 1KS3, Leo's Place Airport, runway 11, 1,100 × 30 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: serious; private, sport pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 9, 2010; seat: front; flight hours: 900 total, 104 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Observed at: KMHK, 10 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20111001024549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111001024549A), Oct 1, 2011: Sadler Terry RANS S-7 COURIER, Riley, KS, Substantial damage. The pilot stated he had been flying his aircraft earlier in the day and made several local flights in preparation for a fly-in event. He landed the aircraft,… ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 28, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81969. 708 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 405 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40358684&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Weather Summary (item 2, .PDF, 19 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40358686&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Summary-Master.PDF - Maps (item 3, .PDF, 285 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40358685&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maps-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.