Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that prior to departing on a cross-country flight, that both of the aircraft's fuel tanks were filled with fuel. Additionally, the pilot stated that during flight she failed to switch fuel tanks. While talking to the airport's control tower and during the approach to the runway, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot elected to conduct a forced landing in a nearby field. The airplane's landing gear collapsed and the airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane, reported that the right wing fuel tank appeared empty and that the fuel selector was on the right wing fuel tank position.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA183 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Denton, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Denton Muni (DTO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grumman American AA-5A
- N-number
- N9678U
- 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.