Pilot Debrief

Beech 95B55 near Clewiston, FL — 2019-03-25

Final reportERA19LA136
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Date
2019-03-25
Location
Clewiston, FL, USA
Aircraft
Beech 95B55
Registration
N323MT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to perform the appropriate emergency checklists following the loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a cross-country flight with the fuel selectors set to the main fuel tanks. Upon reaching a cruise altitude of 6,000 ft, the left engine lost total power. The pilot tried to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Shortly thereafter, the right engine lost total power. The pilot reported that he did not use the emergency checklist or switch the fuel selector to another tank, as he was too busy trying to restart the engines. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane impacted an irrigation ditch, resulting in substantial damage. The fuel selector was found set to the main fuel tanks, which were devoid of fuel. However, measurable fuel was found in the remaining two auxiliary tanks. Examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Given the available evidence, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to the pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in fuel starvation. It is also likely that, had the pilot completed the emergency checklist for a loss of engine power/engine restart, fuel flow and engine power would have been restored.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not verify fuel levels before takeoff, leading to engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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