On May 12, 1996, a Bellanca 17-30 (registration N6668V) was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a total loss of power due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and subsequent fuel exhaustion. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a cross-country flight experienced an engine failure two miles short of the destination airport. The flight, which was the pilot's total time in that aircraft type, ended with only unusable fuel remaining in the tanks.
Flight Details
The pilot planned a cross-country flight with an intended duration of two hours and fifty minutes. Departure occurred at approximately 1430 local time. The engine stopped at about 1905, when the airplane was two miles short of the intended destination airport.
Examination
A subsequent examination of the accident airplane revealed that only unusable fuel remained in the tanks. The amount of usable fuel was insufficient to continue the flight.
Remarks
The accident flight represented the pilot's total experience in that type of airplane. The pilot reported that the engine failure occurred without prior indication.
What happened in the 12 May 1996 Bellanca 17-30 accident near Springfield, MO?
A pilot on a cross-country flight experienced an engine failure two miles short of the destination airport. The flight, which was the pilot's total time in that aircraft type, ended with only unusable fuel remaining in the tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 May 1996 involved a Bellanca 17-30, registration N6668V, at Springfield, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
a total loss of power due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and subsequent fuel exhaustion. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.
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