Accident Overview
On January 1, 2014, at approximately 1420 central standard time, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N351AE) was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The accident occurred in Alabaster, Alabama. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight History
The flight departed Bessemer Airport (EKY) in Bessemer, Alabama, around 1405, with an intended destination of Shelby County Municipal Airport (EET) in Alabaster, Alabama, approximately 11 miles away. The pilot climbed to a cruise altitude of 2,600 feet. En route, the engine began to "stumble" and run rough. The pilot activated the fuel boost pump, but the engine continued to run rough and subsequently lost all power. The pilot did not attempt to restart the engine and maneuvered toward a row of trees in a residential backyard. The airplane struck the trees and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft at the scene. The fuel selector was set to the right wing tank position. The right wing tank contained an undetermined amount of fuel; a sample showed no contamination. The aircraft was moved for further inspection, during which approximately 0.5 gallons were drained from the left main tank, about 10.5 gallons from the right main tank, and none from the auxiliary fuel tank. The gascolator and engine-driven fuel pump lines contained no fuel. The engine was removed and sent to the manufacturer for examination.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land rating and reported 656 total flight hours, including 120 hours in the accident make and model. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in February 2013. The aircraft was manufactured in 1973 and equipped with a Continental IO-520 series 285-hp reciprocating engine. The last annual inspection was completed on June 3, 2013, at a total airframe time of 2,234.6 hours. The engine was rebuilt in April 1994 at 1,955.1 hours. The #5 cylinder was replaced on November 25, 2013, at a time since overhaul of 304.3 hours.
Engine Examination
At the manufacturer's facility, the engine revealed impact damage to the #5 cylinder cooling fins and the fuel injection line. After replacing the #5 top spark plug and ignition lead, the engine was test-run. It started on the first attempt, accelerated smoothly, and performed normally through all power settings, including rapid throttle advancements. Borescope inspection of all cylinders, pistons, exhaust valves, and intake valves showed normal operating signatures.
Fuel Information
The pilot reported to the FAA that he departed with 19.5 gallons of fuel but indicated 13 gallons on the NTSB form. The pilot did not specify which tank was selected at departure or whether he switched tanks during the engine roughness. According to the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, at 2,500 feet in standard conditions, the aircraft consumes 10 to 16 gallons per hour depending on power setting.