The pilot reported that the Pereira Osprey encountered a significant headwind during the flight, and that the engine burned more fuel than he had planned.
The airplane exhausted its fuel, so the pilot decided to make a forced landing near Independence, Iowa. During the forced landing the right wing hit the ground, causing substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
This March 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
HELIO Courier H295 on wheels in the FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual has two very interesting sections.
Muddy field. ( from memory) If the mud is over the tires use 40° flaps, full power and use the elevator to walk out of the mud.
Seaplane landing on grass use a soft field landing. Takeoff after wetting the grass.
It is an extreme airplane
That’s interesting stuff.
But, this guy tore off the right wing during the crash, so it won’t be flying any time soon.
more ‘stupid pilot tricks’.
This guy has 4 hrs total in the aircraft [ mostly on this flight ]. You’d think that he’d be a bit conservative.
32 gallons get used up in 3.8 hours in this aircraft. He ran the tanks dry in 3.75 hours…..NO surprise.!
Bucking a 40+ kt headwind in a 115 kt aircraft….what could go wrong.?
Then he blames an inaccurate fuel gauge .
There are at least 3 airports that he flew over that he could have refueled at.
Seaplane land just fine on grass runways. They usually must be trucked away.
In an ” emergency” any body of water can be used but fuel has to be trucked in.
The FAA will ask questions as will the insurance company.