Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX94LA364

POWAY, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N114FF

Rockwell 114

Analysis

THE PILOT'S DESTINATION AIRPORT WAS 31.3 NAUTICAL MILES FROM THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS TOOK OFF AND FLEW FOR ABOUT 12 MINUTES BEFORE EXPERIENCING A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED AS IT APPROACHED A HIGHWAY DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AT THE ACCIDENT SITE, THE AIRPLANE WAS EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THE QUANTITY OF FUEL WHICH REMAINED IN THE ENGINE AND ALL FUEL TANKS. LESS THAN 1 PINT OF FUEL WAS OBSERVED IN THE AIRPLANE.

Factual Information

On September 15, 1994, at 1757 hours Pacific daylight time, a Rockwell International Model 114, N114FF, experienced a total loss of engine power in cruise flight near Poway, California. During the emergency landing on Highway 67, the airplane collided with power lines and was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot nor the two passengers were injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. At 1745, the pilot departed from the Warner Springs (uncontrolled) Airport, Warner Springs, California. According to the operator, the pilot had planned to fly directly to Gillespie Field, El Cajon, California. The direct route distance between these airports was about 31.3 nautical miles. At the accident site, the airplane was examined to determine the quantity of fuel which remained in the engine and all fuel tanks. Less than 1 pint of fuel was observed in the airplane. The National Transportation Safety Board requested by letter dated September 23, 1994, that the pilot complete the required Safety Board "Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report," Form 6120.1/2. The pilot was verbally requested to complete the form on September 29, 1994. On April 14, 1995, the pilot's residence was telephoned and a message was left for the pilot to submit the required form. As of April 21, 1995, the Safety Board has not received the required form.

Probable Cause and Findings

fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to refuel the aircraft prior to departure.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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