Summary
On July 27, 2018, a Bellanca 8GCBC (N391KM) was involved in an incident near El Dorado, AR. All 2 people 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 improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the return to the departure airport following a local flight, the airplane had a total loss of engine power. He force landed the airplane on a dirt road, but the propeller struck the ground and airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector confirmed that only one gallon of fuel was drained and recovered from both wing tanks.
The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA465. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N391KM.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the return to the departure airport following a local flight, the airplane had a total loss of engine power. He force landed the airplane on a dirt road, but the propeller struck the ground and airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector confirmed that only one gallon of fuel was drained and recovered from both wing tanks.
The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA465