No fatalities

21 Sep 2010: BEECH D17S — Spencer Hodge — Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth, TX, United States

On 21 Sep 2010, a BEECH D17S operated by Spencer Hodge was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Worth, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot returning from Reno Air Races experienced engine power loss on final approach to Hicks Airfield, resulting in a forced landing on rough terrain. The pilot cited fuel exhaustion as the cause.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying back from the Reno Air Races made a stop in Flagstaff, Arizona, to refuel before continuing to Hicks Airfield. During the final approach, the engine lost power, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing on rough terrain.

Aircraft Damage

Both the upper and lower left wings of the aircraft were crushed as a result of the landing.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported to FAA inspectors that the engine power loss was due to fuel exhaustion.

Reporting Compliance

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) requested the pilot complete and return Form 6120.1-2, Pilot-Operator Aircraft Accident Report, on multiple occasions. The pilot did not comply with these requests.

Contributing factors

PilotFluid management