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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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May 20, 1994 · Bellanca 17-30A · N14773

Del Rio, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Del Rio, TX
Aircraft
Bellanca 17-30A
Tail Number
N14773
Operator
Stroud Merle C
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA175

DURING THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB, THE PILOT NOTICED AN ODOR FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND AN ENGINE SURGE. THE PILOT SWITCH FUEL TANKS AND RETURNED FOR LANDING. HE AND A MECHANIC CHECKED THE AIRPLANE AND DECIDED THE SMELL WAS FROM A CLEANING SOLVENT ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE PILOT STARTED THE AIRPLANE AND SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED THE GROUND CHECKS. DURING THE TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB AT ABOUT 400 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE ENGINE STARTED LOOSING POWER AND THE PILOT AGAIN SMELLED THE ODOR. DURING THE FORCED LANDING IN ROUGH AND UNEVEN DESERT BRUSH TERRAIN THE MAIN GEAR FOLDED. THE AIRPLANE SLID 120 FEET, SPUN AROUND STRIKING A VEHICLE AND CAME TO REST. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM EXHIBITED PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF LEAKING. NEAR THE EXHAUST WAS A FIRE DAMAGED BUNDLE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRES. THE WIRES WERE NEAR THE FUEL PUMP.

NTSB Probable Cause

FUEL STARVATION INDUCED POWER LOSS DUE TO AN EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAK RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INFLIGHT FIRE IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL PUMP. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On May 20, 1994, at 1625 central daylight time, a Bellanca 17-30A, N14773, was substantially damage during a forced landing near Del Rio, Texas. The private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight. The pilot/operator reported the following information. During the takeoff initial climb from runway 13 at Del Rio, Texas, the pilot smelled an odor from the exhaust and the engine surged. The pilot switch the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank and returned to the airport. Upon landing, the pilot and mechanic checked the airplane and did not find any discrepancies. They decided the smell was from a cleaning solvent on the exhaust system The engine was started and a ground run completed. The airplane again departed on runway 13. During the initial climb at 400 feet above the ground, the engine started loosing power and the pilot smelled the odor. During the forced landing in rough and uneven desert terrain, the main gear folded. The airplane skidded 120 feet, spun around, struck a vehicle and came to rest. Structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and vertical stabilizer occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) inspector obtained fuel samples from the airplane and the refueling source. Fuel samples were analyzed by Armstrong Forensic Laboratory, Inc. of Arlington, Texas. The laboratory did not disclose any significant discrepancies in the fuel samples. Their report is enclosed. An NTSB investigator examined the airplane on August 16, 1994. The exhaust system exhibited physical evidence of a leak. Electrical system wires were burned and melted. The wires were located adjacent to the fuel pump and lines.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:25 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 17-30A
Tail NumberN14773
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStroud Merle C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-K · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data