# NTSB MKC82FA055: Martin-Pitts S1S, N61RM, Grain Valley, MO, April 11, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 11, 1982, 09:20 local (15:20 UTC)
- Place: Grain Valley, MO
- Coordinates: 39.000019, -94.200111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0000&lon=-94.2001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 11, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70864
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82FA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70864/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82FA055

## 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)
  - fuel supply - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - pressure induced by others, other person (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT ESTIMATED THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ABOUT 10 GALS DURING PREFLIGHT. THE FUEL GAUGE IS A CLEAR TUBE EXTENDING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK UP THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE COCKPIT. A DIPSTICK WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE PLT FLEW TO LIBERTY, MO MADE TWO LANDINGS & RETURNED TO EAST KANSAS CITY. WHILE TURNING ON A RIGHT DOWNWIND THE ENG QUIT. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND IN THE TOPS OF TREES TO SOFTEN THE IMPACT. AN OPEN FIELD SUITABLE FOR LANDING WAS OVERFLOWN. OTHER PITTS PILOTS AT THE ARPT STATED THAT LANDING IN TREES WAS PREFERRED DUE TO THE HIGH SINK RATE OF THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N61RM (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MARTIN-PITTS S1S
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 6-7501
- Airframe hours: 158
- Engines: LYCOMING AEI0-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael W. Williams
- Registered owner: Regina M. Taylor
- Departed: 3GV, GRAIN VALLEY, MO
- Destination: 3GV, GRAIN VALLEY, MO
- Airport: 3GV, East Kansas City, runway 9, 3,800 × 45 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 349 total, 2 in this make and model, 252 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 108 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKC, 19 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 19820411008649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820411008649A), Apr 11, 1982: Child S1SPITTS, Grain Valley, MO, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel near destination. Landed in trees to soften impact. Large open field available.

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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