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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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NTSB Report

June 1, 1991 · Bellanca 17-30 · N4SH

Fort Ord, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fort Ord, CA
Aircraft
Bellanca 17-30
Tail Number
N4SH
Operator
Flame Aero
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA236

A BELLANCA 17-30 WAS FORCED TO LAND AFTER A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING THE CRUISE CLIMB. THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED AFTER TAKEOFF DURING THE FUEL TO AIR MIXTURE LEANING PROCEDURE. AN OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN COASTAL WATERS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN JUST OUTSIDE OF THE SURF. THE AIRPLANE SANK IN SHALLOW WATER. SAND AND SALT WATER WAS INGESTED IN THE AIRPLANE'S FUSELAGE AND WINGS. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED BY THE FAA. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION FOUND DURING THE EXAMINATION. THE REASON FOR THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

NTSB Probable Cause

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

Full Narrative

A BELLANCA 17-30 WAS FORCED TO LAND AFTER A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING THE CRUISE CLIMB. THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED AFTER TAKEOFF DURING THE FUEL TO AIR MIXTURE LEANING PROCEDURE. AN OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN COASTAL WATERS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN JUST OUTSIDE OF THE SURF. THE AIRPLANE SANK IN SHALLOW WATER. SAND AND SALT WATER WAS INGESTED IN THE AIRPLANE'S FUSELAGE AND WINGS. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED BY THE FAA. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION FOUND DURING THE EXAMINATION. THE REASON FOR THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 17-30
Tail NumberN4SH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFlame Aero
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data