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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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December 1, 1995 · Bellanca 8KCAB · N53870

Alexander City, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 1, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Alexander City, AL
Aircraft
Bellanca 8KCAB
Tail Number
N53870
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA016

The pilot reported that, while at 4,500 feet msl, the aircraft engine began to run rough, and then lost power. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing on a roadway, but the aircraft hit trees during the approach, then it impacted the terrain next to the roadway. Examination of the engine revealed that the fuel injector diaphragm and 'O' ring were leaking.

NTSB Probable Cause

The leaking fuel injector, which created a rich mixture, and caused the aircraft engine to lose power.

Full Narrative

On December 1, 1995, at 1130 central standard time, a Bellanca 8KCAB, N53870, was substantially damaged following a collision with trees and terrain during a forced landing attempt near Alexander City, Alabama. The airline transport pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and a visual flight rules flight plan was in effect for the flight. The flight departed Columbus, Georgia, at 1045. The pilot stated that while at cruise flight at 4,500 feet above mean sea level, the aircraft engine began to run roughly, and then stopped producing power. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing on a roadway, but impacted trees, and the terrain during the approach. Examination of the aircraft engine revealed that the "O" ring and diaphragm in the fuel injector servo were leaking. The leaking servo resulted in a rich fuel/air mixtureand subsequent loss of engine power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8KCAB
Tail NumberN53870
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-320-E1B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data