On September 1, 1983, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N1599S) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply by positioning the engine fuel selectors correctly, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of power during the takeoff phase. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The aircraft lost power on the right engine immediately after takeoff, pulled up steeply, rolled to the right, and impacted the ground in an inverted position. Investigation found fuel selectors positioned to auxiliary tanks.
What happened
Immediately following the takeoff phase, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power on the right engine. The pilot attempted to manage the situation by pulling up steeply, but the aircraft subsequently rolled to the right and impacted the ground in an inverted position.
The investigation
A teardown of the right engine was conducted to determine if a mechanical failure preceded the accident. The examination did not reveal any preimpact failure or malfunction within the engine itself. Investigators also examined the cockpit controls and found that both the left and right engine fuel selectors were positioned to the auxiliary tanks.
Findings
The elevator trim was observed to be set to a nose-up position at the time of impact. The combination of fuel exhaustion due to the selector positions and the trim setting contributed to the loss of control.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply by positioning the engine fuel selectors correctly, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of power during the takeoff phase.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Sept 1983 Beech 95-A55 accident near Houston, TX?
The aircraft lost power on the right engine immediately after takeoff, pulled up steeply, rolled to the right, and impacted the ground in an inverted position. Investigation found fuel selectors positioned to auxiliary tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Sept 1983 involved a Beech 95-A55, registration N1599S, at Houston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply by positioning the engine fuel selectors correctly, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of power during the takeoff phase.
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