N7653B

Substantial
None

Bellanca 14-19-2S/N: 4004

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, August 24, 2008
NTSB Number
DFW08CA214
Location
Keller, TX
Event ID
20080910X01423
Coordinates
32.966667, -97.275276
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane which resulted in an attempted takeoff without fuel present in the selected fuel tank.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BELLANCA
Serial Number
4004
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1957
Model / ICAO
14-19-2
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
14-19-2

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BAIR CRAIG A
Address
43726 118TH ST
City
LAKE CITY
State / Zip Code
SD 57247-6164
Country
United States

Analysis

During the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The private pilot aborted the takeoff, locked up the brakes, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and passenger were able to egress unassisted. After the accident, the pilot checked the selected left fuel tank, and found the tank to be empty. The fuel tanks had been previously filled, the airplane was flown seven days prior, and the pilot expected the left tank to be full. The pilot reported that the fuel must have been stolen prior to his flight. In addition, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevent if he had visually confirmed that fuel was present in the left tank.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA214