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Engine Failure During Approach Leads to Forced Landing (N6676V)

Athens, GA, US

On September 11, 1999, a Bellanca BL-17-30 (registration N6676V) was involved in an aviation accident near Athens, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the engine failure occurred due to running the tank dry at too low an altitude to switch tanks and regain engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced an engine surge on approach and made a forced landing after the engine lost power. The pilot attributed the incident to running a fuel tank dry at low altitude.

Accident Details

During a flight intended for pattern work at a local airport, a pilot encountered an engine surge while on approach. The pilot switched the fuel selector to an auxiliary tank and activated the boost pump, but the engine did not recover. A forced landing was executed in a parking lot and driveway, resulting in damage to the aircraft and a residential fence.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, the aircraft departed with full auxiliary tanks, 10 gallons in the right main tank, and 5 to 6 gallons in the left main tank. The fuel selector was positioned to the right main tank for takeoff. Approximately twenty minutes into the flight, as the aircraft was approaching the airport, the engine surged. The pilot characterized the occurrence as a case of running a tank dry at an altitude too low to change fuel tanks and restore engine power.

Probable cause

The pilot reported that the engine failure occurred due to running the tank dry at too low an altitude to switch tanks and regain engine power.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1999 Bellanca BL-17-30 accident near Athens, GA?

A pilot experienced an engine surge on approach and made a forced landing after the engine lost power. The pilot attributed the incident to running a fuel tank dry at low altitude.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Sept 1999 Bellanca BL-17-30 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1999 involved a Bellanca BL-17-30, registration N6676V, at Athens, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot reported that the engine failure occurred due to running the tank dry at too low an altitude to switch tanks and regain engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19829. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.