On January 15, 1989, a Grumman American AA-1B (registration N7174L) was involved in an aviation accident near Westlake, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING AND DECISION BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: FAULTY FUEL INDICATION, UTILITY POLE & UNEVEN TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While en route to the destination airport, the aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot attempted a restart but was unsuccessful, then maneuvered to land on a roadway. During landing, the right wing struck a utility pole, separating the wing. The aircraft went down an embankment and came to rest inverted. After the accident, the pilot reported fuel exhaustion despite a gauge indicating 1/4 full.
Incident Overview
Before reaching the destination airport, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but could not restore power. She then maneuvered the aircraft to land on a roadway, keeping it over the median as long as possible to avoid vehicles.
Landing and Impact
During the landing, the right wing struck a utility pole located next to the curb of the roadway. The impact tore the wing off the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft went down an embankment and came to rest in an inverted position.
Post-Accident Report
After the accident, the pilot reported that the aircraft had run out of fuel. However, the fuel gauge for the fullest tank indicated 1/4 full at the time.