Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power about 17 minutes into the cross-country flight. The pilot stated that he performed a forced landing into a small field and that the nose and left main landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. An on-site examination revealed that the left wing fuel tank and fuselage-auxiliary fuel tank were full of fuel but that the right wing fuel tank was empty. The empty right wing fuel tank appeared to be undamaged, and no evidence of a fuel leak was found. The cockpit fuel gauges confirmed the observed fuel load distribution. The fuel tank selector valve was found in the right wing fuel tank position. The lack of usable fuel in the undamaged right wing tank and the fuel tank selector valve's position indicate that the loss of engine power was likely due to fuel starvation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA132 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 7, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Antlers, Oklahoma
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 17-30A
- N-number
- N222EG
- 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.