Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA465

El Dorado, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N391KM

BELLANCA 8GCBC

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the return to the departure airport following a local flight, the engine lost all power. Subsequently, he conducted a forced landing on a dirt road, during which the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane then nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that only 1 gallon of fuel was recovered from both wing tanks.

Factual Information

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the return to the departure airport following a local flight, the airplane had a total loss of engine power. He force landed the airplane on a dirt road, but the propeller struck the ground and airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector confirmed that only one gallon of fuel was drained and recovered from both wing tanks. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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