Pilot Debrief

BEECH 95-B55 near Midland, TX — 2011-12-15

Final reportCEN12LA110
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Date
2011-12-15
Location
Midland, TX, USA
Airport
MDD
Aircraft
BEECH 95-B55
Registration
N275D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management during the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

When the airplane was on final approach to land, about 1 mile from the airport, both engines lost power. The pilot attempted an engine restart to no avail. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot selected a residential road and performed a forced landing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Impact damage precluded a determination of the total fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. The pilot further reported that he misinterpreted the airplane's crossfeed fuel operation and suggested he should have stopped en route for fuel.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have stopped en route for fuel to prevent loss of power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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