What happened
The accident occurred during a flight from Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base (Fair Oaks, California) to Reno, Nevada. The flight duration was approximately one hour and fifteen minutes when the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot requested that a passenger switch the fuel selector to the other tank. Although the selector handle was not attached to the valve, the passenger located the handle and turned the valve; however, this action did not assist in restarting the engine.
The aircraft attempted a forced landing at night. During the descent, it struck a tree and an electric cable before impacting the ground. The pilot, a former Army aviator, held no FAA pilot ratings at the time of the accident.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage disclosed that the fuel selector valve was in the 'off' position. The aircraft had flown six hours previously without refueling, while its normal endurance is six and one-half hours. Approximately six gallons of fuel remained in the right tank at the time of the crash.
The investigation also revealed that Beech Service Instruction No 1095, which provided for stops on the fuel valve to prevent inadvertent selection of the off position, had not been accomplished on this aircraft.
Findings
A toxicology test of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.177 percent. The combination of fuel exhaustion and the pilot's intoxication were critical factors. The lack of FAA ratings and the unaccomplished service instruction regarding fuel valve stops further contributed to the loss of control.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that required service instructions are completed and maintain strict adherence to flight planning limits to prevent fuel exhaustion. Additionally, operating an aircraft with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit is prohibited and severely impairs judgment and motor skills.