Narrative:
The right engine of the aircraft failed three times in flight between San Antonio (SAT) and Dallas-Redbird (RBD). After the last failure near the middle marker the pilot feathered the propeller. The aircraft collided with power lines and the ground about 400 yards short of runway 31 at the Redbird Airport. The right fuel selector was positioned to the left rear tank and the left selector was positioned to the off position. The left wing tanks were intact and empty. Both engines had failed due to fuel exhaustion. Two airports were overflown that were adequate for landing and that had fuel available. This was the co-pilot's first flight.
CAUSES:
fluid, fuel - exhaustion
fuel consumption calculations - improper - pilot in command
refueling - not obtained - pilot in command
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Monday 7 December 1987 |
| Time: | 17:29 |
| Type: |  Howard 250 Tri-Gear |
| Operator: | Nicole Corp. |
| Registration: | N400NY |
| MSN: | 18-2379 |
| First flight: | 1943 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 8735 |
| Engines: | 2 Wright R-1820-56A |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Dallas-Redbird Airport, TX (RBD) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Approach (APR) |
| Nature: | Ferry/positioning |
| Departure airport: | San Antonio International Airport, TX (SAT/KSAT), United States of America |
| Dallas-Redbird Airport, TX (RBD/KRBD), United States of America |
The right engine of the aircraft failed three times in flight between San Antonio (SAT) and Dallas-Redbird (RBD). After the last failure near the middle marker the pilot feathered the propeller. The aircraft collided with power lines and the ground about 400 yards short of runway 31 at the Redbird Airport. The right fuel selector was positioned to the left rear tank and the left selector was positioned to the off position. The left wing tanks were intact and empty. Both engines had failed due to fuel exhaustion. Two airports were overflown that were adequate for landing and that had fuel available. This was the co-pilot's first flight.
Probable Cause:
CAUSES:
fluid, fuel - exhaustion
fuel consumption calculations - improper - pilot in command
refueling - not obtained - pilot in command
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
» NTSBPhotos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from San Antonio International Airport, TX to Dallas-Redbird Airport, TX as the crow flies is 379 km (237 miles).
Distance from San Antonio International Airport, TX to Dallas-Redbird Airport, TX as the crow flies is 379 km (237 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
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