On May 5, 1992, a Beech A36 (registration N36MR) operated by Malcom F. Dunn was involved in an aviation accident near Southbury, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After approximately 4 hours of flight, an airplane's engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. During a forced landing over wooded terrain, the aircraft entered an inadvertent stall/spin and crashed in a creek. Investigation revealed fuel leaks from both fuel caps, which had been field-adjusted to a looser fit; such adjustments are not authorized.
Accident Overview
The accident occurred after the airplane had been in flight for approximately four hours. The engine lost power as a result of fuel exhaustion. While the pilot was maneuvering the airplane for a forced landing over a wooded area, the aircraft entered an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequently crashed in a creek.
Fuel System Examination
Following the accident, investigators found fuel stains on the left wing behind the fuel cap. Both fuel caps were removed and tested; each cap exhibited leakage. Examination of the caps showed evidence that they had been adjusted in the field to a looser fit. According to the manufacturer, field adjustments of the caps are not authorized. No issues with the cockpit fuel gauges were reported.