# NTSB CHI86FEP04: Day Skybolt DB, N23DA, Wisconsin Rapid, WI, April 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1986, 18:20 local (Apr 21, 1986, 00:20 UTC)
- Place: Wisconsin Rapid, WI
- Coordinates: 44.339576, -89.730125 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3396&lon=-89.7301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13311
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FEP04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13311/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FEP04

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT THOUGHT HE HAD SUFFICIENT FUEL FOR A 'SHORT TRIP AROUND THE PATTERN.'  HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER TAKING OFF FROM RWY 29, THE ENG BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON RWY 2, BUT ALL POWER WAS LOST & HE WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE RWY. HE LANDED THE ACFT IN A SHALLOW LAKE (IN APRX 5 FT OF WATER) & WADED ASHORE WITH HIS 4 YR OLD PASSENGER. ONLY 1 INCH OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL TANK & ONLY 8 DROPS OF FUEL WERE FOUND IN THE FUEL STRAINER BOWL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N23DA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N23DA-2013-08-19), registration cancelled 2013-08-19, S/N 01, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DAY SKYBOLT DB
- Registry model: [Day DB SKYBOLT](https://openairdocs.org/model/day-db-skybolt) (registry code 0565549) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 01
- Airframe hours: 460
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Strub, T.W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 12, 1985, 50 hours before
- Airport: ISW, Alexander Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 622 total, 25 in this make and model, 582 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19860420016069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860420016069A), Apr 20, 1986: Amtrsn SKYBOLT, Wisconsin Rapid, WI, Substantial damage. After takeoff, engine ran intermittently. Landed in a shallow lake short of the runway. Fuel was exhausted.

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.

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