Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's failure to visually verify his fuel quantity prior to the flight.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after takeoff, while on departure, the airplane's engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the loss of engine power but was unable to get the engine to restart. The pilot then elected to make a forced landing to a corn field. During the forced landing, the airplane's landing gear separated, the right wing crushed aft, and the airplane nosed over. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the airplane's fuel system showed that the right fuel tank contained 10 gallons of fuel. The left fuel tank was empty. The pilot reported that he was flying on (had selected) the left fuel tank when engine power was lost. No other preimpact anomalies were found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA403 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 13, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hutto, Texas
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman American Avn. Corp. AA-5
- N-number
- N5453U
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.