During The Approach The Airplane Contacted Powerlines Before It Touched Down In The Grass Of A Divided Highway

Location: Cape Coral, FL  Date & Time: February 24, 2024, 10:00 Local
Aircraft: Bellanca 17-30A  Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Accident Number: ERA24LA122  Registration: N282SV  Injuries: 1 None

On February 24, 2024, about 1000 eastern standard time, a Bellanca 17-30A, N282SV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cape Coral, Florida. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the airplane departed from Pine Shadows Airpark (94FL), Fort Meyers, Florida, and was airborne for approximately 5 minutes when it experienced a total loss of engine power at an altitude of 1,500 ft msl. The pilot attempted to change power settings and utilize the fuel boost pump but there was no change in the engine’s power output. He then elected to land in a residential neighborhood; however, during the approach the airplane contacted powerlines before it touched down in the grass of a divided highway and skidded into the roadway.

The pilot stated that the airplane contained 70 gallons of fuel in the tanks at the time of the takeoff and it had not flown or been refueled since December 2023. He performed a full preflight inspection the night before the accident; the fuel tanks were sampled at that time with no contamination noted.

First responders reported observing a ”small” fuel leak from the right inboard wing when they arrived, and the airplane was subsequently doused with foam to prevent an inadvertent fire. Airplane recovery personnel reported that both wing fuel tanks “appeared dry” when the wings were removed to facilitate recovery.  

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left and right inboard wings. The wreckage was retained for further examination. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov