On 9 Feb 2014, a BELLANCA 7KCAB operated by AVIATION CLUB OF SUSSEX LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Sussex, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to verify the quantity of fuel in the airplane's fuel tanks prior to departure, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot who did not verify fuel quantity before departure experienced engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, executed a forced landing to a snow-covered field, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial wing damage.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that he did not verify the quantity of fuel in the airplane's fuel tanks prior to departure. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the engine began to "sputter" and subsequently experienced a total loss of power. After inspecting the airplane's fuel gauges, the pilot determined that the airplane had "run out of fuel."
Forced Landing and Damage
The pilot conducted a forced landing to a snow-covered field. Upon touchdown, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The event resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airframe or engine.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to verify the quantity of fuel in the airplane's fuel tanks prior to departure, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.