Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the return to the departure airport following a local flight, the engine lost all power. Subsequently, he conducted a forced landing on a dirt road, during which the propeller struck the ground, and the airplane then nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that only 1 gallon of fuel was recovered from both wing tanks.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA465 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- El Dorado, Arkansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Bellanca 8GCBC
- N-number
- N391KM
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.