# NTSB FTW98LA241: Mader WAG-AERO 2+2, N6272A, Hurricane, UT, May 24, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 24, 1998, 10:07 local (16:07 UTC) - Place: Hurricane, UT - Coordinates: 37.260372, -113.269615 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2604&lon=-113.2696&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20625 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW98LA241 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20625/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA241 ## Probable cause An encounter with high vegetation and unsuitable terrain during a forced landing. A factor was a partial failure of the engine's exhaust stack during flight. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind - exhaust system,manifold/pipe - failure,partial (contributing factor) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing - terrain condition - high vegetation (cause) - terrain condition - none suitable (cause) ## Analysis The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings. While on downwind, the engine began to run rough, and smoke entered the cabin from underneath the instrument panel. He turned off the electrical system, then executed a forced landing in an unplowed wheat field. Upon touchdown, the landing gear became entangled with wheat, causing the aircraft to nose over. Postaccident examination of the aircraft's engine revealed that the exhaust stack had fractured, allowing exhaust gases to envelope a fuel line. ## Factual narrative On May 24, 1998, at 1007 mountain daylight time, a Mader Wag-Aero 2+2 homebuilt airplane, N6272A, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Hurricane, Utah. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was being operated by the owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight which originated from Hurricane Airport approximately 7 minutes before the accident. No flight plan was filed. According to the pilot, he was practicing touch-and-go landings on runway 18 (3,410 feet x 40 feet, asphalt). While on downwind, the engine began to run rough, and smoke entered the cabin from underneath the instrument panel. He turned off the electrical system, then executed a forced landing in an unplowed wheat field. Prior to touchdown, he turned the fuel selector off, and the engine quit. Upon touchdown, the landing gear became entangled with wheat, causing the tail section of the aircraft to be lifted, and the aircraft nosed over. The propeller and the vertical stabilizer were damaged. Postaccident examination of the aircraft's engine revealed that the exhaust stack had fractured, allowing exhaust gases to envelope a fuel line. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6272A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6272A), registered now, S/N 246 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Mader WAG-AERO 2+2 (WAG-AERO 2) - Registry model: [Mader William J WAG-AERO 2+2](https://openairdocs.org/model/mader-william-j-wag-aero-2-plus-2) (registry code 056029X) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 246 - Airframe hours: 50 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: William J. Mader - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, August 18, 1997, 50 hours before - Departed: 1L8, HURRICANE, UT - Airport: 1L8, Hurricane ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 763 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 110° at 3 knots - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: SGU, 14 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 19980524010779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980524010779A), May 24, 1998: Amtr WAGARO2+2, Hurricane, UT, Substantial damage. Engine quit on downwind. Nosed over landing off airport. Damaged vertical stablizer. (.4)the pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings. While on downwind, the… 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.