Pilot Debrief

BEECH A36 near Ormond Beach, FL — 2016-12-17

Final reportERA17LA070
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Date
2016-12-17
Location
Ormond Beach, FL, USA
Aircraft
BEECH A36
Registration
N410BC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's impairment by alcohol before and during the flight, which led to his improper fuel management and resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that he was returning to his home airport and was practicing maneuvers at 1,200 ft. The left fuel tank ran dry, and the engine experienced a total loss of power. He stated that his normal procedure was to exhaust the fuel in one tank before switching to the other tank. He attempted to restart the engine after switching to the right tank, which, he stated, held 40 gallons of fuel. The engine would not restart, so he conducted a forced landing in a field. After touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed down into the ground. Examination of the fuel system revealed that the left wing was substantially damaged and that the left wing fuel tank was breached. The right wing had minimal damage, and the right wing fuel tank was undamaged. No fuel was found in either fuel tank, and the wing tank selector handle was found in the "off" position. Examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Blood was drawn from the pilot about 1 hour after the accident, and it tested positive for 0.177 gm/dl of alcohol. At the time of the accident, the pilot's alcohol level was likely at or above 0.185 gm/dl, which is considered impairing. The pilot's impairment by alcohol before and during the flight likely led to his improper fuel mismanagement and the subsequent loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have switched fuel tanks before running left tank dry.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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