Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he was in cruise flight when he ran out of fuel in the right fuel tank and the airplane’s engine lost all power. He attempted to get the engine restarted but could not. The student pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a highway about a half a mile east of his intended destination airport. During the forced landing, one wing sustained substantial damage to the spar. The student pilot reported to the inspector that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot did not provide an NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA050 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 5, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Saba, Texas
- Nearest airport
- San Saba County Muni (81R)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 1730
- N-number
- N7333V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.