# NTSB MKC82DA076: Bellanca 14-19, N501A, Hays, KS, May 9, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: May 9, 1982, 16:20 local (21:20 UTC)
- Place: Hays, KS
- Coordinates: 38.870456, -99.309356 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8705&lon=-99.3094&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70987
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82DA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70987/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA076

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel system - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system - undetermined (cause)
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wheels up landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD PURCHASED THE AIRCRAFT IN IOWA AND HAD OBTAINED A FERRY PERMIT TO FLY IT TO HIS HOME IN CALIFORNIA. IN THE VICINITY OF HAYS, KANSAS, THE FUEL TANK HE WAS USING RAN DRY. HE SWITCHED TO ANOTHER TANK, TURNED ON THE ELECTRIC BOOST PUMP AND TRIED TO START THE ENGINE. WITH FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK, THE BOOST PUMP OPERATING AND THE PILOT ALSO OPERATING THE WOBBLE PUMP, HE WAS UNABLE TO BUILD UP FUEL PRESSURE. HE MADE A WHEELS-UP LANDING IN A WHEAT FIELD WITH ABOUT 30 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD. AN INSPECTION REVEALED NO PREIMPACT DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N501A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N501A-2006-07-05), registration cancelled 2006-07-05, S/N 2054, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 14-19
- Registry model: [Bellanca 14-19](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-14-19) (registry code 3080102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-435A/0-435C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-435a-0-435c) (registry code 41517, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2054
- Airframe hours: 1200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-435A 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Ardis M. Stanger
- Registered owner: Ardis M. Stanger
- Departed: WANERLY, IA
- Destination: DENVER, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 73; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,200 total, 11 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 18 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RSL, 40 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 19820509014469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820509014469A), May 9, 1982: Blanca 1419, Hays, KS, Substantial damage. Ran auxiliary tank dry en route. Unable restart on main tank with apparent vapor lock.

## Other investigations on N501A (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 LAX03LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA032), Nov 16, 2002: Bellanca 14-19 (N501A), Napa, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's inadequate management of the fuel system, which led to fuel starvation and a water ditching.

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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