On August 28, 1985, a Beech A36 (registration N6564D) was involved in an aviation accident near Conroe, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Suspected that the right fuel tank unported during an abrupt maneuver, interrupting fuel flow to the engine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft sustained substantial damage during an off-airport emergency landing after an engine failure. Investigation found uneven fuel distribution and suspected fuel unporting during an abrupt turn.
Accident Details
During a base leg approach, the pilot of an aircraft executed an abrupt maneuver after spotting another aircraft on final. Shortly after, the engine failed. The pilot performed an off-airport emergency landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with a fence and the landing gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed approximately 13 gallons of fuel in the right fuel tank and none in the left tank. The aircraft had been operating on the right tank at the time of the incident. Investigators suspect that during the abrupt turn, the fuel in the right tank may have unported, momentarily interrupting fuel flow to the engine.
Subsequent inspection of the powerplant and fuel system found no mechanical discrepancies. The engine failure is attributed to fuel starvation rather than a system malfunction.
Probable cause
Suspected that the right fuel tank unported during an abrupt maneuver, interrupting fuel flow to the engine.