# NTSB LAX91LA114: Bellanca 17-30A, N8290R, Coalinga, CA, February 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 25, 1991, 18:15 local (Feb 26, 1991, 02:15 UTC)
- Place: Coalinga, CA
- Coordinates: 36.190338, -120.390846 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1903&lon=-120.3908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27123
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA114
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27123/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA114

## Probable cause

FUEL STARVATION AND THE IMPROPER USE OF THE FUEL SELECTOR BY THE PILOT. THE ROUGH TERRAIN ON WHICH THE AIRCRAFT LANDED WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - roll
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT FLEW TO AN AIRPORT 45 NAUTICAL MILES AWAY FROM HIS HOME AIRPORT TO RENEW HIS EXPIRED BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW.  AFTER COMPLETING THE FLIGHT CHECK THE PILOT TOOK OFF TO RETURN TO HIS HOME AIRPORT.  THE ENGINE FAILED DURING CRUISE FLIGHT AND THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN ROUGH TERRAIN AND NOSED OVER.  AN ENGINE TEST RUN AFTER THE ACCIDENT DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8290R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8290R), registered now, S/N 30481, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-30A
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-30A](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-30a) (registry code 1220433) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30481
- Engines: CONTINENTAL I0520K 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George R. Hunt
- Registered owner: George R. Hunt
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: CLG, COALINGA, CA
- Destination: FAT, FRESNO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 640 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 100° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: FAT, 45 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 19910225003499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910225003499A), Feb 25, 1991: Blanca 1730A, Coalinga, CA, Substantial damage. Engine failed on climbout. Nosed over on forced landing. Engine ran normal on post accident test.

## Other investigations on N8290R (1)

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.

- [NTSB SEA74FYC53](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA74FYC53), May 22, 1974: Bellanca 17-30A (N8290R), Hillsboro, OR, destroyed

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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