# NTSB MKC83LA212: West-Heckman BABY-ACE, N2308S, Easton, MO, September 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 4, 1983, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Easton, MO
- Location: 39.7229° N, 94.6406° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Easton, MO, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7229&lon=-94.6406&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33484
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83LA212
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33484/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83LA212

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE TOOK OFF FROM TARKIO, MO ON A RETURN FLT TO PLATTSBURG, MO WITH 1/2 TO 3/4 OF A TANK OF AUTO FUEL. HE ENCOUNTERED STRONG HEAD WINDS, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAGE WAS REGISTERING EMPTY. AT ABOUT THAT TIME, THE ENG LOST POWER FROM FUEL EXHAUSTION. WHILE LANDING BESIDE A HIGHWAY, THE ACFT IMPACTED WITH TERRAIN & THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2308S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2308S-2011-08-16), registration cancelled 2011-08-16, S/N WH45219, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WEST-HECKMAN BABY-ACE
- Registry model: [West-Heckman W-H BABY ACE D](https://openairdocs.org/model/west-heckman-w-h-baby-ace-d) (registry code 0030433) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: WH45219
- Airframe hours: 72
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James L. West & L. Heckman
- Last inspection: Annual, July 4, 1983, 72 hours before
- Departed: K57, TARKIO, MO
- Destination: M028, PLATTSBURG, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: center; flight hours: 70 total, 70 in this make and model, 60 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 35 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19830904049669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830904049669A), Sep 4, 1983: Amtraa BABYACED, Easton, MO, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route. The landing gear burst on a hard emergency highway landing.

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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