Pilot Debrief

Beech 36 near Kelso, WA — 2018-08-19

Final reportWPR18TA243
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Date
2018-08-19
Location
Kelso, WA, USA
Aircraft
Beech 36
Registration
N9031S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's fuel mismanagement, which led to fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and the subsequent forced landing to a field.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while en route to the destination airport during the personal flight, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, while the left fuel tank was full. The pilot stated that he did not remember switching fuel tanks during the flight and that, given that the right fuel tank was empty, he likely ran out of fuel.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have switched fuel tanks before engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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