Pilot Debrief

BEECH F33A near Chesterfield, VA — 2011-11-02

Final reportERA12CA059
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Date
2011-11-02
Location
Chesterfield, VA, USA
Airport
FCI
Aircraft
BEECH F33A
Registration
N833
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.

NTSB narrative

The airplane had been fueled and then flown for about 3.25 hours prior to landing at a private airstrip. After dropping off a passenger, the pilot departed from the private airstrip and was en route to a nearby airport when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing into a reservoir, which resulted in substantial damage to the ailerons. The airplane was recovered from the reservoir, and about 20 and 12 gallons of fluid were drained from the right and left wing fuel tanks, respectively. The fluid from the right tank was determined to be aviation fuel; however, the fluid from the left tank was determined to be water only and void of fuel. The fuel selector was selected to the left tank. The postaccident examination revealed no other anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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