Bellanca 14-19-2 N7653B accident near Keller, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane which resulted in an attempted takeoff without fuel present in the selected fuel tank.

NTSB analysis

During the takeoff roll, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The private pilot aborted the takeoff, locked up the brakes, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and passenger were able to egress unassisted. After the accident, the pilot checked the selected left fuel tank, and found the tank to be empty. The fuel tanks had been previously filled, the airplane was flown seven days prior, and the pilot expected the left tank to be full. The pilot reported that the fuel must have been stolen prior to his flight. In addition, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had visually confirmed that fuel was present in the left tank.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA214 for the full record.