# NTSB ATL96LA016: Bellanca 8KCAB, N53870, Alexander City, AL, December 1, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 1, 1995, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Alexander City, AL
- Coordinates: 32.919624, -85.930297 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9196&lon=-85.9303&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3675
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL96LA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3675/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA016

## Probable cause

The leaking fuel injector, which created a rich mixture, and caused the aircraft engine to lose power.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,injector - leak (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, emergency landing
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot reported that, while at 4,500 feet msl, the aircraft engine began to run rough, and then lost power. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing on a roadway, but the aircraft hit trees during the approach, then it impacted the terrain next to the roadway. Examination of the engine revealed that the fuel injector diaphragm and 'O' ring were leaking.

## Factual narrative

On December 1, 1995, at 1130 central standard time, a Bellanca 8KCAB, N53870, was substantially damaged following a collision with trees and terrain during a forced landing attempt near Alexander City, Alabama. The airline transport pilot received minor injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and a visual flight rules flight plan was in effect for the flight. The flight departed Columbus, Georgia, at 1045.

The pilot stated that while at cruise flight at 4,500 feet above mean sea level, the aircraft engine began to run roughly, and then stopped producing power. The pilot attempted to execute a forced landing on a roadway, but impacted trees, and the terrain during the approach.

Examination of the aircraft engine revealed that the "O" ring and diaphragm in the fuel injector servo were leaking. The leaking servo resulted in a rich fuel/air mixtureand subsequent loss of engine power.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N53870](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N53870), registered now, S/N 225-76, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Bellanca 8KCAB
- Registry model: [Bellanca 8KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-8kcab) (registry code 1220801) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming AEIO-320-E1B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-aeio-320-e1b) (registry code 41926, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 225-76
- Airframe hours: 1690
- Engines: Lycoming AEIO-320-E1B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michelle C. Hill
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 4, 1995, 85 hours before
- Departed: CSG, COLUMBUS, GA
- Destination: BHM, BIRMINGHAM, AL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 8,716 total, 6 in this make and model, 3,088 as pilot in command, 233 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MGM, 40 nm away

## 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 19951201039499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951201039499A), Dec 1, 1995: Bbavia 8KCAB, Alexander City, AL, Substantial damage. Lost power en route. Struck trees trying land on road. Oring diaphragm fuel injector servo leaking. Rich mixture.

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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