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NTSB Report
August 5, 1986 · Aero Commander Callair A-9B Callair A · N7946V
Ridgeland, SC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ridgeland, SC
Aircraft
Aero Commander Callair A-9B Callair A
Tail Number
N7946V
Operator
James E Tuten
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL86LA216
THE PILOT WAS PERFORMING A TEST FLIGHT TO TEST A NEW SPRAY PUMP WHICH WAS RECENTLY INSTALLED ON THE AIRCRAFT. FOLLOWING A LOW PASS OVER THE RUNWAY THE PILOT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE AIRCRAFT LOST TOTAL POWER AND THE PILOT LANDED IN A FIELD SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. POST CRASH EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE PILOT ALLOWED THE LEFT FUEL TANK TO RUN DRY. THE CAUSE OF THE GRINDING NOISE WAS NOT DISCOVERED IN POST ACC INVESTIGATION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS PERFORMING A TEST FLIGHT TO TEST A NEW SPRAY PUMP WHICH WAS RECENTLY INSTALLED ON THE AIRCRAFT. FOLLOWING A LOW PASS OVER THE RUNWAY THE PILOT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE AIRCRAFT LOST TOTAL POWER AND THE PILOT LANDED IN A FIELD SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. POST CRASH EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE PILOT ALLOWED THE LEFT FUEL TANK TO RUN DRY. THE CAUSE OF THE GRINDING NOISE WAS NOT DISCOVERED IN POST ACC INVESTIGATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest Airport1nm WSW
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAero Commander Callair A-9B Callair A
Tail NumberN7946V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames E Tuten
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-T4B5D · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO