On May 22, 1982, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N5045G) operated by T.p. Loving was involved in an aviation accident near Mt. Pleasant, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was out of fuel, as stated by the airport manager. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff from runway 17, the pilot experienced engine issues, turned back, lost all power, and performed a forced landing on a road. The aircraft slid into a ditch and struck two saplings; the airport manager reported the aircraft was out of fuel.
Incident Overview
Shortly after taking off from runway 17, the pilot departed the traffic pattern and was approximately 1.5 miles north of the airport when the engine coughed. He immediately initiated a turn back toward the airport, but soon after, the engine lost all power. Faced with a complete loss of engine power, the pilot decided to land on a road.
Landing and Aftermath
Following touchdown on the road, the pilot was unable to negotiate a turn and the aircraft slid into a ditch. During the slide, the aircraft struck two small saplings. The airport manager later stated that the aircraft was out of fuel.
Probable cause
The aircraft was out of fuel, as stated by the airport manager.