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Accident During Initial Climb Results in Fatal Pilot Injuries and Aircraft Destruction (N8805A)

Clare, MI, US

On October 26, 1989, a Beech B35 (registration N8805A) was involved in an aviation accident near Clare, MI. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT BY NOT ASSURING THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS PROPERLY POSITIONED, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/SPIN. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the aircraft experienced an engine power decrease, deceleration, and nose-high attitude, leading to loss of control and terrain impact. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire; the pilot sustained fatal injuries. Investigation found the fuel selector centered between right and off positions, with restricted airflow during testing.

Accident Narrative

The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of the flight. Observers noted a decrease in engine power, which was followed by a deceleration of the aircraft while it maintained a nose-high altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft departed from controlled flight and impacted the terrain. The impact and a post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft. The pilot sustained fatal injuries.

Investigation Findings

Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system after the accident. They discovered that the fuel selector was positioned centered between the right and off positions. This position indicates that the selector valve was not fully engaged with any fuel tank outlet. To evaluate the effect of this position, testing was conducted. The testing revealed that little airflow was possible through both the right and left inlets to the outlet, through the valve. This finding shows that the selector's intermediate position restricted airflow, which could impact fuel flow to the engine. The investigation's focus on the fuel system was prompted by the observed engine power loss during the initial climb.

Fuel exhaustion & starvationAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 1989 Beech B35 accident near Clare, MI?

During initial climb, the aircraft experienced an engine power decrease, deceleration, and nose-high attitude, leading to loss of control and terrain impact. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire; the pilot sustained fatal injuries. Investigation found the fuel selector centered between right and off…

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 1989 Beech B35 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 1989 involved a Beech B35, registration N8805A, at Clare, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT BY NOT ASSURING THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS PROPERLY POSITIONED, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/SPIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.