Pilot Debrief

BELLANCA 7GCAA near Bedford, IN — 2012-07-08

Final reportCEN12LA424
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Date
2012-07-08
Location
Bedford, IN, USA
Airport
KBFR
Aircraft
BELLANCA 7GCAA
Registration
N8733V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to return home.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a 2-hour cross-country flight with the airplane's fuel tanks full. While at his destination airport, the pilot, who was a physician, received word that a patient was in critical condition and that he needed to return as soon as possible. The pilot stated that the fuel gauges indicated over half full; he departed on the return flight without refueling the airplane. During the return flight, the pilot had to divert around weather and noticed that the fuel gauges were registering considerably less than previously noted. He altered course to a nearby airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine sputtered and lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot made a forced landing in a rough field, and the airplane nosed over.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have verified fuel levels before departure from KAAA.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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