# NTSB SEA87LA021: Bellanca BL17-30, N4797V, Beatty, NV, November 8, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 8, 1986, 10:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Beatty, NV
- Coordinates: 37.090858, -116.790924 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0909&lon=-116.7909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40563
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40563/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA021

## Analysis

WHILE IN CRUISE AT 11,500 FT MSL, FUEL PRESSURE AND ENGINE PWR WERE LOST. PLT TRIED VARIATIONS OF FUEL TANK SELECTIONS AND BOOST PUMP WITH NO SUCCESS. DURING FORCED LANDING ATTEMPT AT REMOTE AIRSTRIP, PLT MISJUDGED APPROACH, STALLED ACFT ABOUT 100 YDS SHORT OF RUNWAY, MUSHING TO GROUND CONTACT. NO EVIDENCE FOUND OF FUEL PUMP FAILURE, LINE OR DISTRIBUTOR BLOCKAGE. ENGINE TEST RUN SATISFACTORY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - fuel system - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - planned approach - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4797V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4797V-2012-08-27), registration cancelled 2012-08-27, S/N 30080, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA BL17-30
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-30) (registry code 1220432) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30080
- Airframe hours: 468
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles D. Ary
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 6, 1986, 8 hours before
- Departed: TRK, TRUCKEE, CA
- Destination: P20, PARKER, AZ
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Scotty'S Junction, runway 34, 3,500 × 50 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,265 total, 381 in this make and model, 1,165 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 13 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TPH, 46 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 19861108054069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861108054069A), Nov 8, 1986: Blanca 1730, Beatty, NV, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the aircraft stalled during the emergency landing. No mechanical malfunctions found.

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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