Pilot Debrief

BEECH 35-C33 near Addison, TX — 2009-05-04

Final reportCEN09LA274
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Date
2009-05-04
Location
Addison, TX, USA
Airport
ADS
Aircraft
BEECH 35-C33
Registration
N528BM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power in flight due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilots' inadequate fuel management.

NTSB narrative

The two commercial pilots (one of which was the owner) flew to the accident location and dropped off a passenger. Prior to the first flight the owner pilot had checked the fuel levels and determined there was enough fuel to make their desired flights. Neither pilot ensured the fuel selector was selecting the fullest tank prior to the second takeoff. On departure and about 200 feet above the ground the engine began sputtering and then lost power. The pilots switched fuel tanks in-flight, but the engine did not restart. The airplane landed short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane and serious injuries to both pilots. Examination of the airplane revealed the right main tank was empty and the fuel selector was selected to the left main tank.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Owner-pilot should have verified fuel tank selection before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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