Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to attain a proper glidepath on approach for landing, which resulted in an impact with a guard rail and post. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to ensure that sufficient fuel was onboard for nonlevel flight, which resulted in fuel starvation.
NTSB Accidents
Maintenance error leads to oil leak
Probable cause: The failure of the engine’s front bearing seal due to maintenance personnel’s installation of an improperly sized crankshaft seal, which resulted in oil starvation and a forced landing.
Fuel starvation leads to crash that seriously injures two
Probable cause: The pilot’s in-flight fuel mismanagement, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
Loss of engine power on takeoff bends Aeronca
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff after recognizing a partial loss of engine power during the takeoff roll and his subsequent inability to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn to avoid power lines, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. The reasons for the loss of engine power could not be determined because post-accident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Equipment failure leads to fuel starvation
Probable cause: Fuel starvation due to the deterioration of a fuel hose.
Water contamination in fuel system contributes to crash
Probable cause: The partial loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system.
Loss of engine power fatal for passenger
Probable cause: A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because extensive fire damage precluded thorough examination of the engine and its associated systems.
Non-certificated pilot crashes into house
Probable cause: The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from residential buildings and trees in gusting wind conditions.
High operating temperatures lead to melted engine parts
Probable cause: A total loss of engine power due to the engine’s unresolved high operating temperatures, which resulted in failure of the distributor rotor and drive shaft, and the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during the subsequent forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.






