The pilot departed with the intention of filling the Bellanca’s fuel tanks at a nearby airport before proceeding to his destination.
Shortly after takeoff, he adjusted the engine controls for cruise flight and then noticed a loss of engine power.
He initiated emergency procedures by switching from the right main fuel tank to the left main fuel tank, turning on the fuel boost pump, and maneuvering the plane for a forced landing.
During the landing, the airplane hit trees and then an open field near Westport, Oklahoma.
A post-accident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed that the right main fuel tank was about three-quarters full and the other three fuel tanks were nearly empty.
No fuel was present in the line from the fuel manifold to the metering unit or to the engine-driven fuel pump.
When tested, the boost pump delivered fuel from the right main fuel tank to the main fuel line.
Other than the absence of fuel, no anomalies were noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel.
NTSB Identification: CEN16LA217
This June 2016 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I have a problem with the conclusions of this report. The NTSB concluded, with certainty, that the pilot. mismanaged the fuel system. There appears to be evidence that the aircraft departed with sufficient fuel in the right and left tanks and some fuel in the other tanks. Post crash observations noted; ” The main fuel line to the fuel pump was pulled from firewall during the accident.” “The drain valve was found open and exhibited impact signatures.” Because the fuel supply was breached one would expect that least a portion of the fuel in the system would have drained. From what the report contained and with the lack of detail about the physical investigation, such as the time elapsed until the aircraft was examined, whether the aircraft was disassembled and moved. Also missing are the details of the inspection of engine components, such as functional test etc. I find it a reach to conclude, based upon the information in this report, that the pilot mismanaged the fuel system. It’s a possibility, but far from a certainty and considering that there was fuel in both tanks that the pilot selected, unlikely.
Sounds like an engine driven fuel pump failure. Just turning on the electric pump would have resolved the issue, if that were the case. Moving the fuel selector from the full tank apparently eliminated the restart.
Strangely, some aircraft POH’s don’t mention the use of the electric pump in the event the engine driven pump fails. Huh?
Pilot, know thy airplane.
The reports states that the pilot did turn on the pump. There was fuel in the left tank so each tank selected had fuel.
What would you do with the money you saved?
I suggest that you read the NTSB report. He was on a short flight with sufficient fuel to an airport that had fuel available. The pilot did a complete preflight check including dipping all tanks but one visual.