Accident Bellanca 17-30 N4894V,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 293485
 
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Date:Monday 25 October 2004
Time:15:30 LT
Type:Silhouette image of generic BL17 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Bellanca 17-30
Owner/operator:
Registration: N4894V
MSN: 30133
Engine model:Continental IO-520-D
Fatalities:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Aircraft damage: Substantial
Category:Accident
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada -   United States of America
Phase: Unknown
Nature:Private
Departure airport:San Diego-Gillespie Field, CA (SEE/KSEE)
Destination airport:Las Vegas-Henderson Sky Harbor Airport, NV (HSH/KHND)
Investigating agency: NTSB
Confidence Rating: Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative:
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and collided with the airport perimeter fence while landing. The pilot stated that as he approached the vicinity of the airport, he confirmed that the fuel selector was on the left tank. He verified that the cockpit fuel quantity gauge showed about 3/8 of fuel remaining in the left main tank, which he equated to be about 10 gallons. He opted to make a right traffic pattern with the intention to land on runway17R, and kept the fuel selector on the left main tank. While executing a turn onto base leg, about 1/8 mile from the airport, the pilot attempted to add power and the engine lost power. Upon touchdown, the airplane collided with the airport's perimeter fence, damaging the right wing. After egressing the airplane the pilot examined the airplane's fuel tanks. His examination revealed that both the left main and auxiliary fuel tank were empty, with the right main tank having about 18 gallons of fuel remaining. He reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. He opined that if the airplane was at a sufficient altitude he would have been able to switch to the right tank and successfully restart the engine.

Probable Cause: the pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.

Accident investigation:
cover
  
Investigating agency: NTSB
Report number: LAX05CA016
Status: Investigation completed
Duration: 3 months
Download report: Final report

Sources:

NTSB LAX05CA016

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
10-Oct-2022 06:35 ASN Update Bot Added

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