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NTSB Report
May 22, 1985 · Bedeell BD-5 · N500BR
Belton, MO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Belton, MO
Aircraft
Bedeell BD-5
Tail Number
N500BR
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC85FA111
WHILE TURNING FROM DOWNWIND TO BASE A LOSS OF PWR WAS EXPERIENCED AFTER WHICH THE ACFT STALLED AND IMPACTED A CORN FLD. THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL IN THE LEFT TANK AND ONLY ABOUT AN OUNCE OF FUEL IN THE CARBURETOR. FUEL BURN ON THE TERRAIN UNDER THE RIGHT WING INDICATED FUEL WAS AVAILABLE IN THE RIGHT TANK. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED ON THE LEFT TANK. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALED A SEALANT USED ON THE WING FUEL TANKS HAD COATED THE GLASS SIGHT FUEL GAGES THUS RESTRICTING THE PLTS ABILITY TO ADEQUATELY DETERMINE FUEL QUANTITY INFLIGHT.
Full Narrative
WHILE TURNING FROM DOWNWIND TO BASE A LOSS OF PWR WAS EXPERIENCED AFTER WHICH THE ACFT STALLED AND IMPACTED A CORN FLD. THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL IN THE LEFT TANK AND ONLY ABOUT AN OUNCE OF FUEL IN THE CARBURETOR. FUEL BURN ON THE TERRAIN UNDER THE RIGHT WING INDICATED FUEL WAS AVAILABLE IN THE RIGHT TANK. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED ON THE LEFT TANK. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALED A SEALANT USED ON THE WING FUEL TANKS HAD COATED THE GLASS SIGHT FUEL GAGES THUS RESTRICTING THE PLTS ABILITY TO ADEQUATELY DETERMINE FUEL QUANTITY INFLIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:59 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBedeell BD-5
Tail NumberN500BR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHonda · EB2 · Reciprocating
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:00
Weather SourceWFAC