On November 29, 1994, an American Aviation Corp. (aac) AA-1A (registration N9260L) was involved in an aviation accident near Gastonia, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY PLAN THE FUEL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a return flight from Texas, the engine quit while maneuvering for a visual approach. The airplane struck a multi-family apartment building in an uncontrolled descent. Fuel records indicated the last refueling was 360 miles south, and only a few ounces of fuel remained.
Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a return flight from Texas. While maneuvering for the visual approach to the destination airport, the engine quit, and the airplane collided with a multi-family apartment building during an uncontrolled descent.
Fuel Examination
Examination of refueling records indicated that the pilot's last refueling stop was 360 miles south of the accident site. A review of previous legs disclosed that the pilot had not flown more than 326 miles on any segment before a planned refueling stop. The flight plan also indicated that the actual fuel consumption for a 292-mile leg was 20 gallons; the pilot had estimated fuel consumption of 14 gallons for the same segment, or six gallons less than the actual consumption.
Post-Accident Findings
On the return leg to Gastonia, the pilot encountered low ceilings and rain showers. A few ounces of fuel were recovered from the aircraft fuel system, and there was no obvious indication of fuel spillage at the accident site. Fuel conservation measures used by the pilot were not determined.