Pilot Debrief

BELLANCA 17-30A near Alabaster, AL — 2014-01-01

Final reportERA14LA083
Sign in to save
Date
2014-01-01
Location
Alabaster, AL, USA
Aircraft
BELLANCA 17-30A
Registration
N351AE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, while en route on the approximate 11-mile flight, the engine began to "stumble" and run roughly. The pilot activated the fuel boost pump, but, shortly thereafter, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot subsequently maneuvered the airplane toward the backyard of a residence. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right main fuel tank contained about 10.5 gallons of fuel. About 0.5 gallon of fuel was drained from the left main fuel tank. The auxiliary fuel tank contained no fuel, and the gascolator was absent of fuel. The engine-driven fuel pump line and return fuel line were absent of fuel. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies. During a test run, the engine started on the first attempt, accelerated smoothly, and advanced through all power settings with no anomalies observed. Although the airplane's fuel selector was found set to the right main tank position during postaccident examination, based on the lack of fuel in the fuel lines and gascolator, it is likely that it was set to the left main or the auxiliary fuel tank during the flight and moved to the right main tank position just before or after impact.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not switch fuel selector after engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

Related mishaps