Casualties unknown

1987-01-15: Beech 65-80 (N1590S) — Brownsville, TX

Brownsville, TX, US

On January 15, 1987, a Beech 65-80 (registration N1590S) was involved in an aviation accident near Brownsville, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel starvation. 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 APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot and three passengers were uninjured after both engines quit during initial climb at about 300 feet due to fuel starvation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage in a forced landing to an unimproved field.

Incident Overview

A commercial pilot operating a flight under a special VFR flight plan from Brownsville, Texas (BRO) experienced a dual engine failure during the initial climb. At approximately 300 feet above ground level, both engines quit due to fuel starvation. The pilot executed a forced landing to an unimproved field, during which the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and three passengers on board were uninjured.

Flight Details

The aircraft was carrying about 39 gallons of fuel in two auxiliary fuel tanks at the time of the incident. The pilot was attempting to reach a fuel stop in Mexico, in compliance with company policy. The flight had revenue passengers aboard.

Previous Incident

The pilot reported a similar event on a prior occasion. During that earlier flight, the pilot experienced a single engine landing in an unimproved field due to fuel starvation while also attempting to reach a fuel stop in Mexico. In both instances, revenue passengers were aboard the aircraft.

Probable cause

Fuel starvation

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30073. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.