Accident Valentin Taifun 17E N16MA, Monday 12 January 1998

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Date:	Monday 12 January 1998
Time:	18:30 LT
Type:	Valentin Taifun 17E
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N16MA
MSN:	1039
Total airframe hrs:	587 hours
Engine model:	Limbach L2000EB1.B
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Pensacola, FL - United States of America
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Pensacola, FL (KPNA)
Destination airport:	Ferguson, FL (82J)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot made a navigational error during a cross-country flight (misidentification of a landmark), which resulted in a low fuel condition. He made a precautionary landing on a paved road in a housing subdivision. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with a fence post, veered to the right, and nosed down. During the occurrence, the engine assembly separated from the airframe.

Probable Cause: the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision and failure to see-and-avoid an obstruction during a precautionary landing on a paved road. Factors relating to the accident were: the resultant low fuel condition, and an obstruction in the precautionary landing area.

Accident investigation: