Pilot Debrief

Beech 76 near Doral, FL — 2019-11-04

Final reportERA20TA030
Sign in to save
Date
2019-11-04
Location
Doral, FL, USA
Airport
MIA
Aircraft
Beech 76
Registration
N6015Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of power to both engines.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he estimated that he had sufficient fuel onboard before departing on the flight. About 20 miles from the destination, at 2,000 ft mean sea level (msl), the right engine suddenly lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. The pilot then diverted toward a closer airport. About 500 ft msl, the left engine also suddenly lost power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and attempted a forced landing on a road. Shortly before touchdown, the left wing impacted a truck on the road and the airplane was substantially damaged. Postaccident examination revealed that both fuel tanks were intact, and no fuel was leaking. About 1 cup and 1/2 cup of fuel were recovered from the left and right fuel tanks, respectively. Thus, it is likely that the pilot either incorrectly estimated his fuel state before departure or he underestimated the fuel required to reach the destination and exhausted the airplane's fuel supply, which resulted in a total loss of power to both engines.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured full fuel tanks before departure from HXD.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

Related mishaps