TULSA, OK, USA
N9940L
Grumman American AA-1B
The airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power, followed by a forced landing, near Tulsa, Oklahoma. The airplane was receiving flight following from Tulsa approach control and descending from 4,500 feet to 3,000 feet, when the 'power suddenly reduced, surged and reduced.' The pilot stated that the carburetor temperature gauge indicated 47 degrees Fahrenheit. The pilot switched the fuel tank selector switch from the left to the right tank, but there was no change in engine performance. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and was assigned vectors to a nearby airstrip. The airplane was 100 yards from the runway when the engine lost complete power. The airplane contacted muddy terrain short of the intended field and slid 50 feet, coming to rest inverted on a fence. The pilot reported that fuel was dripping on him as he exited the airplane. The airplane and engine were examined at the site by an FAA inspector and subsequently at the ILIFF Aircraft Repair and Service Co., Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 24, 1998. No mechanical anomalies were found that could have contributed to the loss of power.
On March 22, 1998, approximately 1430 central standard time, a Grumman American AA-1B airplane, N9940L, owned and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while descending, near Tulsa, Oklahoma. The private pilot and the one passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, for which no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the Grand Lake Regional Airport, Afton, Oklahoma, approximately 1400. The pilot reported in the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), that he flew from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the Grand Lake Regional Airport earlier the same day. The pilot stated that the airplane was "topped-off" at Grand Lake Regional and he performed a pre-flight inspection of the airplane for the flight back to Tulsa, that included a visual inspection of the fuel tanks which he had requested be "topped-off." According to the pilot, the flight departed Grand Lake Regional for Tulsa. After takeoff, the pilot then contacted and received flight following from Tulsa approach. The airplane was 25 miles from Tulsa, descending from 4,500 feet to 3,000 feet, when "the power suddenly reduced, surged, and reduced." The pilot turned the fuel boost pump on and switched the fuel tank selector switch from the left to the right fuel tank. He referenced the carburetor temperature gauge and it read 47 degrees Fahrenheit. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude and the "power [continued] to surge from none to low." The pilot notified air traffic control (ATC) of the situation and subsequently ATC notified the pilot of an airstrip located 3 miles from the airplane's 12 o'clock position. Air traffic controllers reported that the pilot stated that he was "losing fuel and power." During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that, "100 yards from the airstrip, while at 60 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power." One witness reported that he did not hear the engine prior to the airplane impact with the ground. The airplane contacted muddy terrain short of the intended field and slid 50 feet coming to rest inverted on a fence. The pilot reported that fuel was "dripping" on him as he exited the aircraft. The passenger reported that the weather was "clear and warm (70's)." An FAA inspector examined the wreckage of the airplane at the site. He reported that the propeller blades were bent. The nose gear assembly was found separated from the airplane. The left wing sustained structural damage and the right wing separated from the airplane. The inspector stated that he observed fuel at the site and that the "fuel was not contaminated." He examined the engine at the site and found that the cylinders exhibited "good" compression, the magnetos and valves were operational and the spark plugs appeared normal. The airplane was examined on March 24, 1998, at the ILIFF Aircraft Repair and Service Co., Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma, under supervision of an FAA inspector. The following tests and examinations were performed; the engine driven fuel pump and electric fuel pump (including the filter) were checked for proper operation. The magnetos were tested on a test stand and the carburetor was disassembled and examined. The examination revealed no mechanical anomalies that could have contributed to the loss of engine power.
The complete loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
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