North American NAVION N91173

Summary

On 8 June 2024 at about 11:45 local time, a North American NAVION registered N91173 was involved in an accident near Tullahoma, Tennessee, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 June 2024 at 11:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Tullahoma, Tennessee, United States

Nearest airport

Tullahoma Rgnl/Wm Northern Fld (THA)

Coordinates

35.3801, -86.2468

Aircraft

North American NAVION

Registration

N91173

Category

Airplane

Year built

1946

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Tullahoma → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA24LA254

1 person had minor injuries.

A total loss of engine power during takeoff as a result of fuel starvation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had experienced an intermittent fuel pressure fluctuation and rough-running engine during a previous flight, but that the condition was not present during a subsequent test flight with a mechanic. Before departing on the accident flight, the pilot visually checked the airplane’s fuel quantity; he reported that the main fuel tank contained about 6 gallons of fuel and the auxiliary tanks contained about 12 to 14 gallons of fuel. The pilot reported switching from the main tank to the auxiliary tank during the initial climb. Shortly thereafter, during the crosswind turn about 300 ft above ground level, the engine abruptly lost power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane struck trees and came to rest in a field. Postaccident examination found the fuel selector positioned to the main tank, which was depleted, while about 10 gallons of fuel remained in the auxiliary tanks. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies, and the fuel system remained intact with no evidence of leakage. Additionally, a service bulletin issued by the airplane type certificate holder indicated that the auxiliary fuel tank should not be used for takeoff or landing to reduce the possibility of an inadvertent loss of engine power. Based on the available information, it was likely that the loss of engine power was the result of fuel starvation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.