On July 23, 1985, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N876C) was involved in an aviation accident near Anza, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a cross-country personal flight, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion for undetermined reasons and nosed over during forced landing in soft sand and scrub brush. No mechanical malfunctions were found.
Accident Description
During a cross-country personal flight, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion for undetermined reasons. The subsequent forced landing resulted in the aircraft nosing over in a soft sand and scrub brush covered area. The pilot reported that prior to departure, he confirmed a fuel quantity of 37 gallons. The flight was airborne for approximately 50 minutes when the engine quit.
Fuel Examination
Documents produced by the pilot established that 19 gallons of fuel were purchased at the departure airport on the day of the accident. Examination of the aircraft at the accident site by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors revealed no fuel in the tanks and only about a teaspoon full in the system components forward of the firewall. The FAA inspectors reported no evidence of fuel leakage or stains on the underlying and adjacent soil or vegetation.
Powerplant Examination
No mechanical malfunctions were identified during the examination of the powerplant.
What happened in the 23 Jul 1985 Stinson 108-3 accident near Anza, CA?
During a cross-country personal flight, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion for undetermined reasons and nosed over during forced landing in soft sand and scrub brush. No mechanical malfunctions were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 1985 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N876C, at Anza, CA.
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