Casualties unknown

Fuel Imbalance and Dual Engine Failure During Cruise (N550TH)

Hanksville, UT, US

On January 14, 1993, a Beech 58P (registration N550TH) operated by Montelena Associates Limited was involved in an aviation accident near Hanksville, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN IMPROPER FUEL SELECTOR VALVE POSITION, FUEL STARVATION, AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE SOFT, ROUGH TERRAIN. 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
Aircraft registered N550TH
Aircraft registered N550TH. Photo: Eric Salard / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot experienced fuel imbalance indications, continued to destination despite low alternate, and both engines quit. Restart failed due to not selecting the right fuel tank, which contained fuel.

Incident Overview

During cruise flight, the pilot observed a fuel imbalance on the gauges. As the indication became more pronounced, the pilot began searching for a suitable alternate airport. The nearest alternate was found to have weather below approach minimums. Convinced that the imbalance was only an indication problem, the pilot decided to continue to the original destination.

Engine Failure and Restart Attempts

Both engines subsequently quit. At that time, the left fuel gauge read zero, while the right gauge indicated nearly full. During restart attempts, the pilot did not select either engine to the right fuel tank, which was later found to contain fuel.

Post-Accident Examination

At the accident scene, the position of both fuel valves correctly matched the position of the corresponding fuel selector levers. Further investigation revealed no malfunction, damage, or discrepancies with either valve.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jan 1993 Beech 58P accident near Hanksville, UT?

A pilot experienced fuel imbalance indications, continued to destination despite low alternate, and both engines quit. Restart failed due to not selecting the right fuel tank, which contained fuel.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jan 1993 involved a Beech 58P, registration N550TH, operated by Montelena Associates Limited, at Hanksville, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN IMPROPER FUEL SELECTOR VALVE POSITION, FUEL STARVATION, AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE SOFT, ROUGH TERRAIN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.