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NTSB Report
October 4, 1990 · Melton MMI · N3934
Death Valley, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Death Valley, CA
Aircraft
Melton MMI
Tail Number
N3934
Operator
Norval a Ferguson
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91DVW01
THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DIRT EMBANKMENT AFTER MAKING AN EMERENCY LANDING IN THE DESERT. THE PILOT STATED THE AIRCRAFT FUEL CAPACITY IS 14 GALLONS AND SUBSEQUENT TO TAKEOFF THE DIRECT READING FUEL QUANTITY INDICATOR DID NOT INDICATE PROPERLY. TOWARD THE END OF THE FLIGHT THE GAUGE STARTED DECREASING RAPIDLY AND WAS INACCURATE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AIRBORNE FOR OVER FOUR HOURS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INACCURATE CALCULATION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION AND HIS DECISION TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT WITH A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL QUANTITY INDICATOR.
Full Narrative
THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DIRT EMBANKMENT AFTER MAKING AN EMERENCY LANDING IN THE DESERT. THE PILOT STATED THE AIRCRAFT FUEL CAPACITY IS 14 GALLONS AND SUBSEQUENT TO TAKEOFF THE DIRECT READING FUEL QUANTITY INDICATOR DID NOT INDICATE PROPERLY. TOWARD THE END OF THE FLIGHT THE GAUGE STARTED DECREASING RAPIDLY AND WAS INACCURATE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AIRBORNE FOR OVER FOUR HOURS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMelton MMI
Tail NumberN3934
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNorval a Ferguson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · 200 CU. IN. · Reciprocating · 90
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO