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February 12, 1993 · Bellanca 14-19-3A · N8876R

Graham, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 12, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Graham, TX
Aircraft
Bellanca 14-19-3A
Tail Number
N8876R
Operator
Roman Elbert L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW93LA085

THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING AFTER EXPERIENCING A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT. SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PILOT, SO HE ELECTED TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD IN ROUGH AND UNEVEN TERRAIN COVERED WITH HEAVY BRUSH AND TREES. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND ON THE RIGHT WING TANK POSITION. THE RIGHT WING TANK WAS FOUND TO BE EMPTY WHILE THE OTHER TWO TANKS WERE NEARLY FULL. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT REMEMBER SWITCHING TO THE FULLEST MAIN TANK BEFORE LANDING.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION DUE TO THE IMPROPER POSITION OF THE FUEL TANK SELECTOR. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On February 12, 1993, at approximately 1120 central standard time, a Bellanca 14 19 3a airplane, N8876R, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power while on final approach to the Graham Municipal Airport near Graham, Texas. The private pilot, who was the owner of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. According to the pilot, the flight originated at Big Spring, Texas. The purpose of the flight was to drop the airplane off at the Graham Airport so an annual inspection could be completed. The pilot further reported that the entire flight was uneventful, up to the time he entered the traffic pattern to land at Graham. As he completed his turn to final, he attempted to add some power and the engine failed to respond. The pilot's first reaction was to switch the fuel selector to another tank, but due to his low altitude elected to concentrate on the forced landing and attempt to find a suitable landing area. The airplane impacted the terrain and heavy brush approximately a quarter of a mile short of runway 03, coming to rest atop trees. The left wing separated from the fuselage, rupturing the left fuel cell. The pilot exited the airplane unassisted. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector at the site, the pilot stated "I do not remember switching to the fullest main before landing." Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel selector was on the right wing tank position. Further examination by the FAA inspector revealed that the right wing tank was empty, and there was evidence of fuel in the fuselage tank as well as in the left wing tank.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 CST
Nearest AirportGraham Municipal (0nm NNE)
Runway3
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 14-19-3A
Tail NumberN8876R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRoman Elbert L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-F · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data