# NTSB LAX91LA236: Bellanca 17-30, N4SH, Fort Ord, CA, June 1, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 1, 1991, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Fort Ord, CA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27226
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA236
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27226/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA236

## Probable cause

PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A BELLANCA 17-30 WAS FORCED TO LAND AFTER A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING THE CRUISE CLIMB. THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED AFTER TAKEOFF DURING THE FUEL TO AIR MIXTURE LEANING PROCEDURE. AN OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN COASTAL WATERS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN JUST OUTSIDE OF THE SURF. THE AIRPLANE SANK IN SHALLOW WATER. SAND AND SALT WATER WAS INGESTED IN THE AIRPLANE'S FUSELAGE AND WINGS. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED BY THE FAA. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION FOUND DURING THE EXAMINATION. THE REASON FOR THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4SH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4SH-1992-02-25), registration cancelled 1992-02-25, S/N 30009 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-30
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-30) (registry code 1220432) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30009
- Airframe hours: 2253
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Flame Aero Inc
- Registered owner: Flame Aero Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 15, 1991, 24 hours before
- Departed: MRY, MONTEREY, CA
- Destination: WVI, WATSONVILLE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,500 total, 380 in this make and model, 2,350 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MRY, 2 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 19910601018689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910601018689A), Jun 1, 1991: Blanca 1730, Fort Ord, CA, Substantial damage. Lost power en route. Fuel pressure fluctuating. Ditched in ocean surf. Pilot believes fuel contamination.

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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