On August 14, 1988, a Beech N35 (registration N25EM) was involved in an aviation accident near Fallon, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply, associated with a fuel selector valve that lacked proper detents and positive stops, which prevented correct positioning over the right fuel tank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced engine power loss during a practice missed approach, resulting in a forced landing in rough terrain due to fuel exhaustion caused by a faulty fuel selector.
What happened
The aircraft was engaged in a training maneuver involving a practice missed approach when the engine lost power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in an area characterized by rough terrain.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed significant discrepancies in the fuel system components. The right fuel tank was found to be completely empty, while the left fuel tank contained approximately 25 gallons of fuel. Further inspection of the fuel selector valve identified mechanical defects: the selector lacked a positive stop at the 'off' position and had no detent for the right tank position. The detent that was present was located between the 'off' and 'right tank' positions, preventing proper selection.
Findings
The investigation determined that the engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion. The root cause was traced to the fuel selector valve's inability to be positioned correctly over the right tank or fully off. This mechanical defect prevented the pilot from accessing the available fuel in the left tank or isolating the system as intended, leading to the loss of power during a critical phase of flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply, associated with a fuel selector valve that lacked proper detents and positive stops, which prevented correct positioning over the right fuel tank.
What happened in the 14 Aug 1988 Beech N35 accident near Fallon, NV?
A pilot experienced engine power loss during a practice missed approach, resulting in a forced landing in rough terrain due to fuel exhaustion caused by a faulty fuel selector.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Aug 1988 involved a Beech N35, registration N25EM, at Fallon, NV.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply, associated with a fuel selector valve that lacked proper detents and positive stops, which prevented correct positioning over the right fuel tank.
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