N5872N

Substantial
None

ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL 114S/N: 14417

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA10CA093
Location
Birmingham, AL
Event ID
20091209X22636
Coordinates
33.563888, -86.752220
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL
Serial Number
14417
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
114
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
114

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MEANS LOREN ALONZO III
Address
1554 N SHORELINE DR
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99654-6666
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he was conducting an instrument-flight-rules flight with an estimated flight time of 1 hour and 33 minutes. He encountered unanticipated headwinds along the route of flight, and as he neared his destination airport he learned that weather conditions had deteriorated below minimums. The pilot diverted to a nearby airport, but was unable to complete the approach due to a windshear encounter. He then diverted to a third airport and reported that he was concerned about the airplane's available fuel. The pilot again aborted his first approach due to a windshear encounter and during a subsequent approach the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field prior to the runway. The airplane's nose and left main landing gears collapsed upon contact with a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA093