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Casualties unknown

Fuel Selector Mismanagement Leads to Engine Power Loss and Hard Landing (N658V)

Bartow, FL, US

On September 19, 1983, a Beech M35 (registration N658V) was involved in an aviation accident near Bartow, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to properly reposition the fuel selector from the right main to the left main tank, resulting in fuel starvation and subsequent engine power loss. 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

During arrival, a pilot intended to switch fuel tanks but left the selector on the right main, causing engine power loss on final approach. The aircraft landed hard in soft, wet terrain, collapsing the nose gear.

Incident Overview

During the arrival, the pilot intended to reposition the fuel selector from the right main to the left main position. However, the selector was left positioned at the right main tank.

Sequence of Events

While on final approach, the engine lost power. The pilot activated the boost pump, and the engine restarted for about 10 seconds, but it lost power again. The fuel selector was not moved from the right main position during the emergency procedures. The aircraft was landed hard in soft, wet terrain, and the nose gear collapsed.

Findings

Fuel was found in the left main tank and the auxiliary tanks, but less than minimum fuel was found in the right main tank. Later, the engine was started using fuel from the left main tank.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly reposition the fuel selector from the right main to the left main tank, resulting in fuel starvation and subsequent engine power loss.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1983 Beech M35 accident near Bartow, FL?

During arrival, a pilot intended to switch fuel tanks but left the selector on the right main, causing engine power loss on final approach. The aircraft landed hard in soft, wet terrain, collapsing the nose gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1983 involved a Beech M35, registration N658V, at Bartow, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to properly reposition the fuel selector from the right main to the left main tank, resulting in fuel starvation and subsequent engine power loss.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44633. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.