Pilot Debrief

BEECH 58P near Lubbock, TX — 2023-03-17

Final reportCEN23FA139
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Date
2023-03-17
Location
Lubbock, TX, USA
Airport
F82
Aircraft
BEECH 58P
Registration
N2061K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure a proper fuel selector position before takeoff, which resulted in a loss of left engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after the loss of left engine power.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control after the loss of left engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot landed at the departure airport and dropped off passengers before the accident flight. The pilot then left the airplane while it was being fueled and returned after fueling was completed. The pilot walked around the airplane while talking on a cellular phone, which was not consistent with a proper preflight inspection of the airplane due to his diverted attention. After the engines were started, the airplane taxied to the departure runway. A witness stated that he did not see or hear an engine run-up before takeoff. The witness said the airplane’s takeoff was normal and later heard an audible change in engine sound after it had become airborne. Surveillance video recorded the airplane in a nose-down, left bank attitude before entering a left roll into an inverted attitude and impacting the ground. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left cockpit fuel selector was in the OFF position, which likely led to fuel starvation and a loss of left engine power. Additionally, the left engine propeller exhibited features of low/no power. The right propeller exhibited features consistent with higher power and a blade angle near takeoff/climb power. The initial left roll of the airplane likely resulted from the loss of left engine power. Examination of the engines revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Flight control continuity of the airplane was confirmed and the continued left roll after the loss of left engine power indicated a loss of control by the pilot.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have completed a proper engine run-up before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 25 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents25

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