Pilot Debrief

BEECH A36 near Refugio, TX — 2009-10-02

Final reportCEN10LA005
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Date
2009-10-02
Location
Refugio, TX, USA
Aircraft
BEECH A36
Registration
N991PP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow the correct engine restart checklist.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight the pilot tracked his fuel usage by watching the engine analyzer; however, about 180 miles from his destination airport the engine lost power and the pilot performed a forced landing, resulting in substantial to the airplane. During the descent the pilot unsuccessfully tried to restart the engine by switching the fuel selector between the right and left fuel tanks. An on-site examination of the airplane revealed that the that the airplane's left wing fuel tank contained about 2 cups of fuel and when the right wing fuel cap was removed, fuel would spill from the tank. An additional examination of the fuel selector, airframe, and an engine test run failed to reveal a preimpact anomaly that would have precluded a restart of the engine. The pilot later added that while trying to restart the engine he did not turn on the electric-driven fuel pump. Additionally, he noted that the checklist that he carried in the aircraft failed to mention the electric-driven fuel pump; however, he noted that the pilot's operating handbook (POH) did mention the electric pump.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not activate the electric fuel pump while attempting to restart the engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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