File No. 4 2765-47

CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Adopted May 18, 1948

Released

May 9, 1948

NEAR FULTON, MISSOURI, AUGUST 27, 1947

An aircraft accident near Fulton, Missouri, about 1220 * August 27, 1947, resulted fatally to Private Pilot Jesse E. Richardson and a passenger, A. C. Baumann, both of Columbia, Missouri The 11AC Aeronca, NC 9177E, owned by the Mizzou Flying Club, was damaged extensively.

Pilot Richardson, accompanied by Mr. Baumann, took off from the Columbia Municipal Airport about 1100 for a cross-county flight to Fulton Approximately 4 1/2 miles from Fulton the pilot circled low over the clay pit where his uncle was working During this circling the engine stopped, following which the aircraft stalled and dived to the ground

Examination of the wreckage disclosed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunctioning of the engine or an part of the aircraft prior to impact. However, the fuel shut-off valve was found closed. The elevator trim tab was in an almost full tail-down position and it appears probable that Pilot Richardson, intending to land in a field adjacent to the clay pit, attempted to apply carburetor heat before reducing engine power and inadvertently closed the nearby and very similar fuel valve control, thereby cutting off the fuel supply. The weather was clear with a WSW wind of 10 mph

Upon consideration of all available evidence, the Board finds that the probable cause of this accident was loss of control at an altitude too low for recovery

BY THE CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD

/s/

JOSEPH J. O'CONNELL, JR

/s/

JOSH LEE

/s/

HAROLD A. JONES

Ryan, Vice Chairman, and Adams, Member did not take part in the decision.

FOOTNOTE

*

All times referred to herein are Central Standard and based on the 24-hour clock.

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