Bellanca 7GCAA N36008 accident near Rifle, Colorado

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, before takeoff on the third and final flight leg of the day, he topped off the fuel tanks. About 5 miles from the destination airport, the engine began to sputter and soon after lost all power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and elected to make an emergency landing to a field. During the approach, he pitched up to avoid powerlines and the airplane stalled and impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude then nosed over. There was no evidence of a fuel leak at the accident site and the non-vented fuel caps remained secure. About 2 gallons of fuel were removed from the fuel system during the airplane recovery.

The airplane’s fuel consumption rate during the previous leg was 9 gallons per hour, so given the amount of fuel the pilot added before departing on the accident flight, the airplane should have contained about 16 gallons of fuel at the accident site. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a fuel leak or preimpact anomalies of the fuel system. An engine test run was completed, but due to a bent propeller blade the engine was not operated to full power. There were no preimpact anomalies noted during the examination and engine test run that would have precluded normal operation.

Given the documented refueling numbers and fuel consumption rate on the flight’s previous legs, even with the continuous updrafts and downdrafts, constant light turbulence, and occasional moderate turbulence encountered on the last leg of the flight, the airplane should have had ample fuel to complete the flight. Accordingly, the reason for the loss of engine power and lack of fuel at the accident site could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA344 for the full record.