On April 18, 1986, a Bellanca 17-300 (registration N4881V) operated by Benny F. Papridge was involved in an aviation accident near EL Paso, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to switch from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks, resulting in fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Bellanca Viking 300 experienced engine failure due to fuel starvation after the pilot overflew the main tanks' capacity and failed to switch to auxiliary tanks. No engine malfunction was found.
Accident Overview
The engine of a Bellanca Viking 300 series aircraft quit during flight because of fuel starvation. According to the owner's manual, the normal operating time on the main fuel tanks is 2.5 hours; however, the aircraft had been flown for 2.6 hours on those tanks.
Post-Crash Findings
Examination of the crash site revealed that the main fuel tanks were empty, while the auxiliary tanks were still full. Investigators found no evidence of any engine malfunction.
Pilot Actions
The pilot had failed to switch fuel selection from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks, which resulted in the engine ceasing to operate due to lack of fuel.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to switch from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks, resulting in fuel starvation.
What happened in the 18 Apr 1986 Bellanca 17-300 accident near EL Paso, TX?
A Bellanca Viking 300 experienced engine failure due to fuel starvation after the pilot overflew the main tanks' capacity and failed to switch to auxiliary tanks. No engine malfunction was found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Apr 1986 involved a Bellanca 17-300, registration N4881V, operated by Benny F. Papridge, at EL Paso, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to switch from the main tanks to the auxiliary tanks, resulting in fuel starvation.
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