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NTSB Report
May 9, 1982 · Bellanca 14-19 · N501A
Hays, KS
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 9, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hays, KS
Aircraft
Bellanca 14-19
Tail Number
N501A
Operator
Ardis M Stanger
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC82DA076
THE PILOT HAD PURCHASED THE AIRCRAFT IN IOWA AND HAD OBTAINED A FERRY PERMIT TO FLY IT TO HIS HOME IN CALIFORNIA. IN THE VICINITY OF HAYS, KANSAS, THE FUEL TANK HE WAS USING RAN DRY. HE SWITCHED TO ANOTHER TANK, TURNED ON THE ELECTRIC BOOST PUMP AND TRIED TO START THE ENGINE. WITH FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK, THE BOOST PUMP OPERATING AND THE PILOT ALSO OPERATING THE WOBBLE PUMP, HE WAS UNABLE TO BUILD UP FUEL PRESSURE. HE MADE A WHEELS-UP LANDING IN A WHEAT FIELD WITH ABOUT 30 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD. AN INSPECTION REVEALED NO PREIMPACT DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD PURCHASED THE AIRCRAFT IN IOWA AND HAD OBTAINED A FERRY PERMIT TO FLY IT TO HIS HOME IN CALIFORNIA. IN THE VICINITY OF HAYS, KANSAS, THE FUEL TANK HE WAS USING RAN DRY. HE SWITCHED TO ANOTHER TANK, TURNED ON THE ELECTRIC BOOST PUMP AND TRIED TO START THE ENGINE. WITH FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK, THE BOOST PUMP OPERATING AND THE PILOT ALSO OPERATING THE WOBBLE PUMP, HE WAS UNABLE TO BUILD UP FUEL PRESSURE. HE MADE A WHEELS-UP LANDING IN A WHEAT FIELD WITH ABOUT 30 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD. AN INSPECTION REVEALED NO PREIMPACT DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 14-19
Tail NumberN501A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorArdis M Stanger
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435A · Reciprocating · 190
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 18 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:00