# NTSB ATL86LA216: Aero Commander Callair A-9B, N7946V, Ridgeland, SC, August 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 5, 1986, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Ridgeland, SC
- Coordinates: 32.480693, -80.980781 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4807&lon=-80.9808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7164
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7164/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA216

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PERFORMING A TEST FLIGHT TO TEST A NEW SPRAY PUMP WHICH WAS RECENTLY INSTALLED ON THE AIRCRAFT. FOLLOWING A LOW PASS OVER THE RUNWAY THE PILOT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE AIRCRAFT LOST TOTAL POWER AND THE PILOT LANDED IN A FIELD SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. POST CRASH EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE PILOT ALLOWED THE LEFT FUEL TANK TO RUN DRY. THE CAUSE OF THE GRINDING NOISE WAS NOT DISCOVERED IN POST ACC INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7946V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7946V-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 1567, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER CALLAIR A-9B (CALLAIR A-)
- Registry model: [Aero Commander CALLAIR A-9B](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-callair-a-9b) (registry code 0144206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1567
- Airframe hours: 2651
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-T4B5D 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James E.Tuten
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 23, 1986, 5 hours before
- Departed: RIDGELAND, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,744 total, 4 in this make and model, 4 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 75 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860805037489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860805037489A), Aug 5, 1986: Airpts A9B, Ridgeland, SC, Substantial damage. The engine lost power after takeoff and was landed in an open field. Pilot failed to switch fuel tanks.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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