On April 5, 1990, a Beech B35 (registration N5180C) operated by Fendig, Bruce was involved in an aviation accident near Brunswick, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY MANAGE HIS FUEL SUPPLY BY SWITCHING TO A TANK WITH FUEL PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. COLLISION WITH THE TREE(S) WAS A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
On return flight, engine lost power at 1000 feet. Pilot switched fuel tanks but unable to restart. Aircraft glided toward marsh area but struck a tree. Investigation found fuel in left wing and fuselage tank, right wing empty.
Incident Description
During the return flight to the airport, the pilot initiated a descent. At approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot reported attempting to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Unable to restore power, the pilot established a glide path toward a marsh area. However, the aircraft struck a tree during the approach. After coming to rest, the pilot exited the inverted aircraft without assistance.
Post-Accident Investigation
Examination of the aircraft's fuel system revealed that the left wing tank and the fuselage tank contained fuel. In contrast, the right wing tank was found empty. No other anomalies were reported in the investigation.
What happened in the 5 Apr 1990 Beech B35 accident near Brunswick, GA?
On return flight, engine lost power at 1000 feet. Pilot switched fuel tanks but unable to restart. Aircraft glided toward marsh area but struck a tree. Investigation found fuel in left wing and fuselage tank, right wing empty.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Apr 1990 Beech B35 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Apr 1990 involved a Beech B35, registration N5180C, operated by Fendig, Bruce, at Brunswick, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY MANAGE HIS FUEL SUPPLY BY SWITCHING TO A TANK WITH FUEL PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. COLLISION WITH THE TREE(S) WAS A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT.
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