Pilot Debrief

BEECH P35 near Bridgeport, TX — 2013-07-02

Final reportCEN13CA389
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Date
2013-07-02
Location
Bridgeport, TX, USA
Airport
KXBP
Aircraft
BEECH P35
Registration
N8585M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of both the flight instructor and the pilot to monitor and manage the fuel on board, which resulted in an engine failure due to fuel starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and flight instructor were making touch-and-go landings when the engine lost power. Unable to glide to the runway, they made a forced landing in an open field. During the forced landing, the landing gear was sheared off and the firewall was buckled. The student sustained a serious injury and the flight instructor received minor injuries. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and reported the fuel selector was positioned on the left fuel tank. When electrical power was applied, the left fuel gauge registered empty. No fuel was observed in the left fuel tank. The right fuel tank had not been compromised and contained fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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