On September 5, 1997, a Luscombe LL-8-F (registration N1871K) was involved in an aviation accident near Carrollton, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflight planning by the pilot, who failed to ensure sufficient fuel for the flight despite claiming to have refueled prior to departure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced engine sputtering 25 minutes into a flight, leading to a forced landing. Wreckage examination revealed no fuel, and the pilot surrendered his commercial certificate.
What happened
The pilot was operating a flight with an estimated duration of 35 minutes when the aircraft engine began to sputter approximately 25 minutes into the journey. Despite immediate attempts to restart the powerplant, these efforts proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the pilot executed a forced landing in a small, rough field.
The investigation
An FAA Inspector examined the wreckage of the aircraft and found no evidence of fuel remaining in the system. The pilot stated that he had refueled the airplane prior to takeoff but could not provide receipts to verify this claim.
Findings
The lack of fuel was confirmed by the physical inspection of the wreckage. The pilot voluntarily surrendered his commercial pilot's certificate and accepted a downgrade to a private certificate in lieu of a check ride.
Probable cause
Fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflight planning by the pilot, who failed to ensure sufficient fuel for the flight despite claiming to have refueled prior to departure.
What happened in the 5 Sept 1997 Luscombe LL-8-F accident near Carrollton, OH?
A pilot experienced engine sputtering 25 minutes into a flight, leading to a forced landing. Wreckage examination revealed no fuel, and the pilot surrendered his commercial certificate.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Sept 1997 involved a Luscombe LL-8-F, registration N1871K, at Carrollton, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fuel exhaustion due to inadequate preflight planning by the pilot, who failed to ensure sufficient fuel for the flight despite claiming to have refueled prior to departure.
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