# NTSB CHI84LA146: Bellanca 17-30, N7389V, Delavan, WI, April 1, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 1, 1984, 16:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Delavan, WI
- Coordinates: 42.620372, -88.630172 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6204&lon=-88.6302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12575
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12575/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA146

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE WAS DESCENDING FROM 3500 FT MSL TO TRAFFIC PATTERN ALT (2000 FT MSL), HE SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR FROM THE LEFT FUEL TANK TO THE RIGHT TANK. UPON ENTERING THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, HE MADE HIS PRELANDING CHECKS. WHEN HE ADVANCED THE MIXTURE, THE ENG QUIT. SUBSEQUENTLY, HE MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A MUDDY FIELD WHERE THE GEAR COLLAPSED. THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS FOUND TO BE EMPTY, BUT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK HAD 12 GALS REMAINING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7389V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7389V), registered now, S/N 30224, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-30
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-30) (registry code 1220432) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30224
- Airframe hours: 1580
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John T. Atkinson
- Registered owner: John L. Atkinson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 4, 1984
- Departed: BMI, BLOOMINGTON, IL
- Destination: C59, DELAVAN, WI
- Airport: C59, Lake Lawn

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 500 total, 30 in this make and model, 500 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19840401008279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840401008279A), Apr 1, 1984: Blanca 1730, Delavan, WI, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing when gear collapsed in muddy field. Right fuel tank contained fuel.

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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