Pilot Debrief

BEECH 35-A33 near Mineral Wells, TX — 2021-07-23

Final reportCEN21LA473
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Date
2021-07-23
Location
Mineral Wells, TX, USA
Airport
MWL
Aircraft
BEECH 35-A33
Registration
N5ML
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

After a normal takeoff, the pilot encountered low clouds en route to his destination. He diverted to a nearby airport and avoided the clouds as he descended toward the airport. He entered a downwind for the runway and reduced the engine to a low power setting. After turning final, the pilot attempted to add power; however, the engine did not respond. He manipulated the throttle several times, but the engine did not increase from idle power. The pilot initiated a landing to a nearby field. The airplane touched down hard, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest. During an on-scene examination, the fuel selector was found positioned on the left tank. About 3 inches of fuel was observed in the right-wing fuel tank, and no visible fuel was noted in the left-wing fuel tank. During a discussion with the pilot, he reported that the airplane was on the right fuel tank when the loss of power occurred. After recovery, a temporary fuel tank was connected to the fuel line at the left-wing root to facilitate an engine run. The airplane started and operated uneventfully at various engine speeds with no anomalies noted. Since the engine operated normally postaccident, and fuel was present in the right fuel tank, it is likely the engine was starved of fuel during the accident flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured correct fuel tank selection before attempting to add power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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