Pilot Debrief

Beech V35 near Destin, FL — 2020-03-08

Final reportERA20LA122
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Date
2020-03-08
Location
Destin, FL, USA
Airport
DTS
Aircraft
Beech V35
Registration
N581U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The airplane was fueled to capacity the night before departure, which would have provided 74 usable gallons to conduct the anticipated 3-hour flight with about 20 gallons of fuel remaining upon landing. The pilot stated that he switched fuel tanks every 30 minutes during the flight, but could not recall which fuel tank he selected during his before landing checklist about 5 miles from the runway. Recorded engine data showed that, about 1 1/2 miles from the runway, the fuel flow decreased from about 14 gallons per hour to zero over the course of 12 seconds, resulting in a total loss of engine power. The pilot proceeded to switch fuel tanks, ensure the throttle was forward, the mixture was full rich, and the magnetos were on both as he attempted a restart, but was unsuccessful. He did not turn on the auxiliary fuel pump, as listed in the emergency procedures. The airplane collided with trees 2,000 ft from the runway, substantially damaging both wings. The pilot reported fuel leaking from the right wing after the accident, and there was an odor of fuel at the scene. Postaccident examination revealed that the left fuel tank was ruptured, and the right fuel tank was void of fuel. The fuel selector was positioned to the left tank. There were a few ounces of fuel in the gascolator. An engine run was conducted, and the engine performed normally with no mechanical irregularities that would have precluded normal operation. Although the pilot reported switching fuel tanks regularly during the flight, the accident is consistent with the pilot improperly managing the fuel during flight and consuming all the fuel in the left tank, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation shortly after the left fuel tank was selected.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not confirm fuel tank selection before final approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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