Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Descent Leads to Tree Strike (N5180C)

Brunswick, GA, US

On April 5, 1990, a Beech B35 (registration N5180C) operated by Fendig, Bruce was involved in an aviation accident near Brunswick, GA. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22852. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.