Pilot Debrief

Grumman American AA-5A near Denton, TX — 2008-07-11

Final reportDFW08CA183
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Date
2008-07-11
Location
Denton, TX, USA
Airport
DTO
Aircraft
Grumman American AA-5A
Registration
N9678U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that prior to departing on a cross-country flight, that both of the aircraft's fuel tanks were filled with fuel. Additionally, the pilot stated that during flight she failed to switch fuel tanks. While talking to the airport's control tower and during the approach to the runway, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing in a nearby field. The airplane's landing gear collapsed and the airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, reported that the right wing fuel tank appeared empty and that the fuel selector was on the right wing fuel tank position.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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