# NTSB FTW92LA008: Bellanca 17-31, N9755E, Big Spring, TX, October 14, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 14, 1991, 18:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Big Spring, TX
- Location: 32.2383° N, 101.4857° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Big Spring, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2383&lon=-101.4857&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18400
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18400/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA008

## Probable cause

THE COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A FAILED PISTON ROD. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## 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
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A DUSK DEPARTURE, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO AN INTERNAL MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE ALTITUDE AT THE TIME OF FAILURE WAS LESS THAN THREE HUNDRED FEET AND TERRAIN AVAILABLE FOR LANDING WAS UNSUITABLE. THE PILOT LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO THE ONLY CLEARING AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THE WING STUCK A TREE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9755E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9755E-2013-06-27), registration cancelled 2013-06-27, S/N 76-31121, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-31
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-31ATC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-31atc) (registry code 1220437) (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: 76-31121
- Airframe hours: 1200
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas C. Miller
- Registered owner: Thomas C. Miller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 19, 1991, 194 hours before
- Destination: KMAF, MIDLAND, TX
- Airport: 21XS, Mc Mahon Wrinkle, runway 35, 8,803 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 72; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,200 total, 1,400 in this make and model, 2,100 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 80° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19911014045919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911014045919A), Oct 14, 1991: Blanca 1731ATC, Big Spring, TX, Destroyed. Engine failed on climbout. Trailed black smoke. Landed in trees. Engine threw a rod through case. Lacked lube.

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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