DOWNER BELLANCA 14-19-2
Borger, TX, November 1, 2011
Event Information
| Date | November 1, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Borger, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.70083, -101.39361 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA051 |
| Event ID | 20111103X84328 |
Aircraft
| Make | DOWNER |
| Model | BELLANCA 14-19-2 |
| Registration # | N711W |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot’s improper fuel management. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s diverted attention with the broken fuel gauge knob.
Full Narrative
The pilot was on a cross-country flight at 9,500 feet mean sea level. Approximately 20 miles from his destination he started the descent to the airport. The pilot reported that he looked at his fuel gauge and decided to switch fuel tanks when reaching 5,000 feet. As he leveled the airplane off, the engine lost power. He turned on the fuel pump and attempted to turn the fuel selector knob. However, the knob broke in half, leaving just the post. Unable to turn the post and re-start the engine, the pilot elected to conduct a forced landing in an open area. During the forced landing, the left wing was nearly severed in two by an impact with a tree, the landing gear collapsed, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. After the accident, the pilot added that he mistakenly turned the fuel gauge selector knob and not the fuel selector knob, then got distracted by the knob breaking.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.