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Engine Failure During IFR Flight Leads to Collision with Trees and Road (N14779)

Homer, LA, US

On January 2, 1982, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N14779) operated by David Shelton was involved in an aviation accident near Homer, LA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During an IFR flight at 5000 feet MSL, an aircraft's engine ran rough and lost power. The pilot descended through clouds, collided with trees, impacted a road, and came to rest in a pasture. The pilot exited with facial injuries and burns; the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Engine teardown found no preimpact failures.

Flight and Engine Failure

During an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight at 5,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the aircraft's engine began running rough. The pilot attempted to restore power, but the engine eventually windmilled with no apparent thrust. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot initiated a descent through a cloud layer.

Collision and Terrain Impact

Breaking out of the clouds at approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot found the aircraft over a wooded area. He attempted to glide to an open area, but the aircraft collided with trees, then struck a hard-surfaced road. The aircraft bounced over a fence and came to rest in a pasture.

Pilot Injuries and Aircraft Damage

The pilot egressed from the aircraft with injuries to his face and burns on his left arm. The aircraft was destroyed by fire.

Post-Accident Investigation

A teardown of the engine revealed no preimpact failures or anomalies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jan 1982 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Homer, LA?

During an IFR flight at 5000 feet MSL, an aircraft's engine ran rough and lost power. The pilot descended through clouds, collided with trees, impacted a road, and came to rest in a pasture. The pilot exited with facial injuries and burns; the aircraft was destroyed by fire. Engine teardown found no preimpact failures.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jan 1982 Bellanca 17-30A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jan 1982 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N14779, operated by David Shelton, at Homer, LA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02148. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.