# NTSB NYC93LA006: Smitrovich SE-5A Replica, N1869S, Harwinton, CT, October 4, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1992, 11:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Harwinton, CT
- Location: 41.7712° N, 73.0598° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Harwinton, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7712&lon=-73.0598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37249
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC93LA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37249/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA006

## Probable cause

A FORCED LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, FOLLOWING A POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL EXHAUTION.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AND HIS IMPROPER FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS WHICH LED TO FUEL EXHAUTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN THERE WAS A POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.  DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE LANDING GEAR WAS RIPPED OFF AND THE AIRPLANE FLIPPED OVER. THE PILOT SAID HE HAD PURCHASED 12 GALLONS OF AUTO GAS AND FLOWN FOR 40 MINUTES.  HOWEVER, HE HAD NO RECEIPT AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL IN THE TANKS OR FUEL SPILLAGE ON THE GROUND. ADDITIONALLY NO EVIDENCE OF A FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND WITH THE ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1869S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1869S-2010-06-02), registration cancelled 2010-06-02, S/N 078258, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITROVICH SE-5A REPLICA (SE-5A REPL)
- Registry model: [Smitrovich John W SE5A REPLICA](https://openairdocs.org/model/smitrovich-john-w-se5a-replica) (registry code 05663AW) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 078258
- Airframe hours: 200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John W. Smitrovich
- Registered owner: John W. Smitrovich
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1992
- Departed: N69, STORMVILLE, NY
- Destination: 22B, BURLINGTON, CT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,000 total, 200 in this make and model, 900 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 13 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19921004039909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921004039909A), Oct 4, 1992: Amtrrp SE5AREPLICA, Harwinton, CT, Substantial damage. Lost power. Nosed over on forced landing. Fuel tanks were empty.

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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