Casualties unknown

Uncertificated Pilot's Precautionary Landing Ends in Fuel Exhaustion (N5395E)

Torreon, NM, US

On March 18, 1983, a Beech K35 (registration N5395E) was involved in an aviation accident near Torreon, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's neglect to switch back from the auxiliary tank to the main tanks. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An uncertificated pilot, after avoiding weather and deciding to land on a road, experienced engine failure from fuel exhaustion during the final turn, having neglected to switch fuel tanks.

Background

The pilot, who was not certificated, reported that prior to departure he received a weather briefing by telephone from a Flight Service Station.

Flight and Weather Avoidance

En route, the pilot made several heading changes to avoid weather. Despite these efforts, he found himself surrounded by low ceiling and precipitation. He decided to make a precautionary landing on a paved road.

Engine Failure

Just prior to deciding to land, the pilot had switched to his auxiliary fuel tank. During the final turn of the landing approach, the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot had neglected to switch back to the main fuel tanks.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's neglect to switch back from the auxiliary tank to the main tanks.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Mar 1983 Beech K35 accident near Torreon, NM?

An uncertificated pilot, after avoiding weather and deciding to land on a road, experienced engine failure from fuel exhaustion during the final turn, having neglected to switch fuel tanks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Mar 1983 involved a Beech K35, registration N5395E, at Torreon, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's neglect to switch back from the auxiliary tank to the main tanks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42445. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.