What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-04-20 involved a Beech B95A, registration N951Q, at St. Augustine, FL.

Engine Failure and Loss of Control Following Fuel Selector Mismanagement (N951Q)

On April 20, 1986, a Beech B95A (registration N951Q) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Augustine, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot in command did not assure that the fuel selector for the left engine was selected and in the detent prior to takeoff, leading to left engine failure from fuel starvation, and then failed to execute appropriate emergency procedures, resulting in 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 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

During initial climb, the left engine failed due to fuel starvation after the fuel selector moved slightly. The pilot did not execute emergency procedures, leaving gear down and propeller unfeathered, leading to loss of control and crash into water.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred when the pilot in command failed to ensure that the fuel selector for the left engine was properly selected and in the detent position prior to takeoff. During the initial climb, the fuel selector moved slightly, resulting in fuel starvation and failure of the left engine.

Pilot Actions

Following the engine failure, the pilot did not execute the appropriate emergency procedures. Specifically, the pilot left the landing gear in the extended position and did not feather the left propeller. These omissions compromised the aircraft's performance and handling.

Loss of Control

The pilot subsequently lost control of the aircraft, which then crashed into the water. The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, injuries, or environmental conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot in command did not assure that the fuel selector for the left engine was selected and in the detent prior to takeoff, leading to left engine failure from fuel starvation, and then failed to execute appropriate emergency procedures, resulting in loss of control.

Engine failure Fuel exhaustion & starvation

1986-04-20: Beech B95A (N951Q) — St. Augustine, FL