On August 4, 1987, a Navion A (registration N4388K) was involved in an aviation accident near Hawthorne, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a pleasure flight, an engine sputtered and then lost full power. The pilot attempted to land at a nearby airport but extended gear and flaps, causing rapid descent. The aircraft landed on a city street and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Investigation found no fuel in the system and a leaking engine-driven fuel pump.
Incident Details
A pilot on a pleasure cross-country flight experienced an engine that sputtered before regaining full power. The pilot turned toward a nearby airport and received clearance to land. However, while en route to the airport, the engine lost full power. When the pilot believed he could reach the runway, he extended the landing gear and deployed full flaps. This configuration caused the aircraft to descend more rapidly, and it was unable to reach the airport. The aircraft subsequently landed on a city street, where it collided with an oncoming vehicle.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident investigation revealed that there was no fuel in the aircraft's fuel system. When tested, the engine-driven fuel pump was found to leak fuel at its seals.