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Double Engine Failure Leads to Reservoir Ditching (N337GB)

Bedford, NY, US

On July 2, 1990, a Cessna 337 (registration N337GB) was involved in an aviation accident near Bedford, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A bent rear engine fuel lever selector control cable that caused both engines to be fed from the left tank, resulting in fuel starvation and double power loss. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot operating under a ferry permit experienced simultaneous loss of power in both engines due to fuel starvation. The aircraft was subsequently ditched into a reservoir after the examination revealed a mechanical issue with the fuel system.

What happened

The pilot was operating an airplane under the authority of a ferry permit when the aircraft experienced a sudden and complete loss of power in both engines. This double power failure was attributed to fuel starvation, forcing the pilot to execute a ditching maneuver into a nearby reservoir.

The investigation

A post-crash examination of the airframe and engine systems revealed a critical mechanical discrepancy regarding the fuel supply configuration. In normal operation for this specific aircraft model, the left fuel tank is designed to feed the front engine, while the right fuel tank feeds the rear engine. However, the inspection findings indicated that both engines were being supplied with fuel exclusively from the left tank.

Findings

The investigation determined that the root cause of the dual engine failure was a bent control cable for the rear engine fuel lever selector. This deformation prevented the proper routing of fuel from the right tank to the rear engine, leading to the starvation event that necessitated the emergency water landing.

Probable cause

A bent rear engine fuel lever selector control cable that caused both engines to be fed from the left tank, resulting in fuel starvation and double power loss.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1990 Cessna 337 accident near Bedford, NY?

A pilot operating under a ferry permit experienced simultaneous loss of power in both engines due to fuel starvation. The aircraft was subsequently ditched into a reservoir after the examination revealed a mechanical issue with the fuel system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1990 involved a Cessna 337, registration N337GB, at Bedford, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A bent rear engine fuel lever selector control cable that caused both engines to be fed from the left tank, resulting in fuel starvation and double power loss.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23789. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.