ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 356506
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| Date: | Tuesday 5 November 1996 |
| Time: | 18:00 LT |
| Type: |  Grumman American AA-1B |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N9926L |
| MSN: | 0226 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 1754 hours |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-235-C2C |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Gaithersburg, MD -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | (KGAI) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The pilot last flew the airplane about 45 days before the accident. He stated that he thought the left wing fuel tank was 1/3 full and the right wing fuel tank was half full, based on the fuel he purchased before his previous flight. The pilot stated that he performed a preflight inspection and had removed the fuel caps. He was unable to see fuel due to the design of the tanks. The pilot stated that when a perspective buyer of the airplane arrived, they boarded the airplane and taxied to the runway. The engine runup, takeoff roll, and rotation were normal. At about 200 feet, the engine lost power, and the pilot initiated a left turn back to the runway. The airplane impacted the ground, skidded across a raised road, and continued down a steep grade where it nosed over. The pilot and passenger exited through the rear window openings. The pilot could not recall looking at the fuel sight gauges in the cockpit before takeoff. An FAA inspector found no mechanical problem with the engine, and stated that no fuel could be found in the airplane or at the scene.
Probable Cause: the pilot's inadequate preflight, and his failure to detect an insufficent fuel supply, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing after takeoff. Uneven terrain (drop-off in the emergency landing area) was a related factor.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB IAD97LA016
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 13-Mar-2024 07:54 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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