Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

September 25, 2006 · Bellanca 14-13-2 · N74475

Ellijay, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Ellijay, GA
Aircraft
Bellanca 14-13-2
Tail Number
N74475
Operator
Richard C Spears
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL06LA130

According to the pilot, he flew over his residence and was heading back to the airport at about 3,200 feet mean sea level when the engine lost power. He said he was able to restart it several times, but it would only run for a few seconds each time. He chose a field to do a forced landing, but did not have enough altitude to clear a tree line. The airplane collided with the trees and came to rest inverted in a private residential driveway. Examination of the engine assembly revealed the engine remained intact and attached to the engine mounts. The propeller was rotated by hand and engine continuity was established through to the accessory section. Closer examination of the engine compartment found that the airplane was equipped with an automotive starter relay, automotive battery and an automotive fuel boost pump. Additionally, automotive fuel was observed in the fuel tanks and fuel lines. The pilot confirmed that he operated the airplane using automotive fuel. Examination of the logbooks found no approvals for the use of automotive fuel. Further examination of the fuel system including disassembly of the carburetor, gascolator and boost pump found contamination of both the gascolator and boost pump. The contamination consisted of insect parts and a sandy substance similar to dirt. The sandy substance was observed caked and blocking the stand pipe in the fuel gascolator which would have prevented fuel from reaching the carburetor resulting in a loss of engine power. Examination of the engine logbooks found that the airplane had received an annual inspection on August 19, 2006, and had logged 4.4 hours since that inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Also causal was the mechanic's failure to ensure the aircraft's fuel system was free of contamination while performing an annual inspection.

Full Narrative

On September 25, 2006, at 1829 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 14-13-2, N74475, registered to a private individual and operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with trees during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Ellijay, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot reported minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Pickens County Airport in Jasper, Georgia, on September 25, 2006 at 1815. According to the pilot, he flew over his residence and was heading back to the airport at about 3,200 feet mean sea level when the engine lost power. He said he was able to restart it several times, but it would only run for a few seconds each time. He chose a field to do a forced landing in but did not have enough altitude to clear a tree line. The airplane collided with the trees and came to rest inverted in a private residential driveway. The pilot egresses the airplane with only a minor head injury. Examination of the wreckage by an FAA Inspector found the airplane inverted with both wings partially separated. The airplane was recovered and a subsequent examination of the engine was performed on October 5, 2006. Present during the examination was an FAA Inspector and an NTSB Investigator. Examination of the engine assembly revealed the engine remained intact and attached to the engine mounts. The propeller was rotated by hand and engine continuity was established through to the accessory section. Closer examination of the engine compartment found that the airplane was equipped with an automotive starter relay, automotive battery and an automotive fuel boost pump. Additionally, automotive fuel was observed in the fuel tanks and fuel lines. The pilot confirmed that he operated the airplane using automotive fuel. Examination of the logbooks found no approvals for the use of automotive fuel. Further examination of the fuel system including disassembly of the carburetor, gascolator and boost pump found contamination of both the gascolator and boost pump. The contamination consisted of insect parts and a sandy substance similar to dirt. The sandy substance was observed caked and blocking the stand pipe in the fuel gascolator. Examination of the engine logbooks found that the airplane had received an annual inspection on August 19, 2006, and had logged 4.4 hours since that inspection.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:29 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 14-13-2
Tail NumberN74475
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard C Spears
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O435-C · Reciprocating · 175
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data