Summary
On July 11, 2008, a Grumman American AA-5A (N9678U) was involved in an incident near Denton, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.
The pilot reported that prior to departing on a cross-country flight, that both of the aircraft's fuel tanks were filled with fuel. Additionally, the pilot stated that during flight she failed to switch fuel tanks. While talking to the airport's control tower and during the approach to the runway, the aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing in a nearby field. The aircraft's landing gear collapsed and the aircraft was substantially damaged during the forced landing. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, reported that the right wing fuel tank appeared empty and that the fuel selector was on the right wing fuel tank position.
This incident is documented in NTSB report DFW08CA183. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9678U.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that prior to departing on a cross-country flight, that both of the aircraft's fuel tanks were filled with fuel. Additionally, the pilot stated that during flight she failed to switch fuel tanks. While talking to the airport's control tower and during the approach to the runway, the aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing in a nearby field. The aircraft's landing gear collapsed and the aircraft was substantially damaged during the forced landing. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, reported that the right wing fuel tank appeared empty and that the fuel selector was on the right wing fuel tank position.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA183