On August 10, 2004, a Bellanca BL17-30 (registration N4700V) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as result of the pilot's improper fuel management. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A 700-hour private pilot reported engine power loss during descent, attempted forced landing to a closed airport, and landed short. Inspection revealed empty right fuel tanks and full left tanks.
Incident Overview
A private pilot with 700 hours of flight experience reported that the engine lost power while initiating a descent into the destination airport. The pilot stated that he was unable to restart the engine and opted to perform a forced landing at a closed airport.
Emergency Descent and Landing
During the emergency descent, the airplane touched down short of the landing threshold for the closed runway. No further details about the landing were provided in the source.
Post-Accident Inspection
An FAA inspector conducted a detailed examination of the aircraft's fuel system. The inspection revealed that the main and auxiliary fuel cells for the right fuel system were empty, while both the main and auxiliary cells for the left fuel system were nearly full of fuel.
What happened in the 10 Aug 2004 Bellanca BL17-30 accident near Austin, TX?
A 700-hour private pilot reported engine power loss during descent, attempted forced landing to a closed airport, and landed short. Inspection revealed empty right fuel tanks and full left tanks.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Aug 2004 Bellanca BL17-30 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Aug 2004 involved a Bellanca BL17-30, registration N4700V, at Austin, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as result of the pilot's improper fuel management. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
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