Pilot Debrief

Hawker Beech V35B near Coalinga, CA — 2012-04-28

Final reportWPR12LA188
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Date
2012-04-28
Location
Coalinga, CA, USA
Airport
308
Aircraft
Hawker Beech V35B
Registration
N2841W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight, the engine lost power while the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank. The pilot positioned the fuel selector to the right tank and the engine momentarily regained power. However, the engine gradually lost power completely and did not regain power again, although the pilot switched back and forth between the right and left fuel tanks. The pilot conducted a forced landing on a road. The pilot inadvertently delayed extending the landing gear; as a result, the landing gear was only partially extended and subsequently collapsed when the airplane touched down on the paved road, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed minimal fuel in the left tank and about 20 gallons in the right tank. The engine was subsequently run successfully, and no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation were observed. It is likely that the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to ensure adequate supply.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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