On October 14, 1983, a Luscombe 8A (registration N7113O) was involved in an aviation accident near Victorville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot became slightly lost while avoiding a restricted area, noticed his fuel gauge reading empty, and was forced to land in a dry sewage pond when the engine quit.
What happened
The flight proceeded without incident until the pilot deviated from his planned route to circumvent a restricted airspace. This maneuver caused him to become slightly disoriented regarding his exact position. While located approximately 5.5 miles southeast of George Air Force Base and 36 miles southwest of his intended destination, he observed that the fuel gauge indicated an empty tank. Shortly thereafter, the engine ceased operation due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing in a dry sewage pond, which resulted in the collapse of both the nose and main landing gear.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot's decision to deviate from his course contributed to the situation by increasing fuel consumption or causing navigational confusion that delayed recognition of the low fuel state. The structural damage to the aircraft was a direct result of the hard landing on the uneven surface of the dry pond.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing forced landing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Oct 1983 Luscombe 8A accident near Victorville, CA?
A pilot became slightly lost while avoiding a restricted area, noticed his fuel gauge reading empty, and was forced to land in a dry sewage pond when the engine quit.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Oct 1983 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N7113O, at Victorville, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing forced landing.
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