# NTSB DEN82DA082: Bellanca 17-31ATC, N4050B, Walsh, CO, May 9, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 9, 1982, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Walsh, CO
- Coordinates: 37.380542, -102.27935 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3805&lon=-102.2793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72951
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA082
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72951/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA082

## 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, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,pump - worn (cause)
  - fuel system,pump - output low (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AT ABOUT 75 FT AGL. WHILE MAKING A FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK LARGE PIPES THAT WERE LAYING ON THE GROUND. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ENGINE WOULD RUN SATISFACTORLY AS LONG AS THE ELECTRIC BOOST PUMP WAS ON. WHEN THE BOOST PUMP WAS TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE WOULD CEASE TO OPERATE. THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP (TITAN, MODEL G6, SN: 575587W) WOULD NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT FUEL PRESSURE TO SUSTAIN ENGINE OPERATION. AN EXAMINATION REVEALED THE SEALS AND BEARINGS WERE WORN. NO RECORDS OR HISTORY OF THE PUMP COULD BE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4050B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4050B-1998-08-28), registration cancelled 1998-08-28, S/N 74-31101 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-31ATC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-31ATC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-31atc) (registry code 1220437) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31101
- Airframe hours: 1416
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540KIE5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Lawrence L. Bitner
- Registered owner: Lawrence L. Bitner
- Departed: OKO, WALSH, CO
- Destination: OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
- Airport: OKO, Griffin, runway 17, 3,200 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, invalid medical for flight; flight hours: 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 167 °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 19820509016219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820509016219A), May 9, 1982: Blanca 1731ATC, Walsh, CO, Substantial damage. Engine quit after takeoff, crash occurred during emergency landing. Engine driven fuel pump malfunctioned.

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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