Accident Details
On May 21, 2020, at about 1912 central daylight time, a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N68555, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Rainbow City, Alabama. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported no injuries.
According to the pilot, he had been practicing aerobatic maneuvers and was returning to the departure airport when the engine began to "cut off and on." Although the engine continued running, its performance deteriorated, prompting the pilot to execute an emergency landing in a field. After touchdown, the airplane could not be stopped before reaching a tree line. It struck trees and came to rest, with the engine still running. The landing gear and both wings were buckled.
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site. Both fuel tanks were breached and found empty of fuel. The airplane was recovered for an engine test run.
Engine Test Run
Before the test run, all fuel lines leading to the fuel pumps and fuel servo were inspected. Trace amounts of fuel were present in the lines, and no debris was observed. The mechanical and electrical fuel pumps were checked and showed no anomalies. An external fuel tank was connected to the mechanical pump for the test. The fuel-injected engine was started and operated for 2 to 3 minutes at various RPMs without any noted irregularities.