On July 12, 1984, a Beech C-45-H (registration N399V) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcalester, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel inlet screens blocked with particulate and biological contaminants due to lack of fuel system maintenance (fuel tanks not drained or cleaned during prolonged period of limited use). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a loss of power in both engines due to blocked fuel inlet screens, resulting in a collision with trees 300 feet short of the runway during an emergency descent.
Incident Overview
Approximately 40 miles from McAlester Airport, the left engine lost power and was shut down. While attempting a precautionary landing at the airport, the right engine subsequently lost all power. During the ensuing emergency descent, the pilot attempted to stretch the glide. The aircraft collided with trees located 300 feet short of the runway.
Findings
An examination of the airplane's fuel system revealed that the fuel inlet screens were blocked with particulate matter and biological contaminants. The aircraft had been flown only three hours during the past two or more years, and its fuel tanks had not been drained or cleaned during that period.
Probable Cause
The blocked fuel inlet screens, attributed to a lack of fuel system maintenance including failure to drain or clean the fuel tanks during an extended period of limited aircraft use.