Pilot Debrief

AERO COMMANDER CALLAIR A-9B near Zebulon, NC — 2024-06-01

Final reportERA24LA240
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Date
2024-06-01
Location
Zebulon, NC, USA
Airport
7NC5
Aircraft
AERO COMMANDER CALLAIR A-9B
Registration
N7650V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power while maneuvering due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he departed on the glider tow flight with the airplane’s left fuel tank completely full, and between “1/4 and 1/2 a tank” in the right fuel tank, which was selected for the flight. The pilot successfully released the glider at 3,000 ft msl and entered a left, spiraling descent. At 2,800 feet, “the engine shut down (due to fuel). This has happened previously when the bank angle is steep enough and the tank low enough that the fuel does not reach the fuel pickup.” The pilot leveled the wings, but engine power did not resume. The airplane lacked the glide performance to return to the departure runway, or the pilot’s selected forced landing site. The pilot did not remember the accident landing which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage and both wings. The airplane’s fuel system was compromised and its postaccident fuel state could not be determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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