Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5 near Hutto, TX — 2010-07-13

Final reportCEN10LA403
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Date
2010-07-13
Location
Hutto, TX, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5
Registration
N5453U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to visually verify his fuel quantity prior to the flight.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, while on departure, the airplane's engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the loss of engine power but was unable to get the engine to restart. The pilot then elected to make a forced landing to a corn field. During the forced landing, the airplane's landing gear separated, the right wing crushed aft, and the airplane nosed over. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the airplane's fuel system showed that the right fuel tank contained 10 gallons of fuel. The left fuel tank was empty. The pilot reported that he was flying on (had selected) the left fuel tank when engine power was lost. No other preimpact anomalies were found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not visually verify fuel quantity before flight despite indications of possible siphoning.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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