Casualties unknown

1993-04-05: Beech E-55 (N777EV) — Beverly D. Sharp — Leesburg, VA

Leesburg, VA, US

On April 5, 1993, a Beech E-55 (registration N777EV) operated by Beverly D. Sharp was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER USE OF THE FUEL SELECTORS, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION AND LOSS OF POWER IN BOTH ENGINES. DARKNESS WAS A RELATED FACTOR. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot refueled only main tanks before departure; aux tanks were empty. During approach, both engines lost power; unable to restart. Off-airport landing struck a building and fence. Post-accident examination revealed aux tanks empty and intact, right main had 20 gallons, left main ruptured.

Introduction

An accident occurred when a pilot experienced a double engine power loss while approaching her destination airport. The airplane subsequently made an off-airport landing, during which it struck a small building and a security fence.

Sequence of Events

Before takeoff, the pilot refueled the main tanks but did not refuel the auxiliary tanks. While using the auxiliary tanks during the approach to the destination airport, she experienced a simultaneous loss of power from both engines. Attempts to restart the engines were unsuccessful. The ensuing forced landing resulted in the airplane colliding with a small building and a security fence.

Post-Accident Findings

An examination of the airplane revealed that the auxiliary tanks were intact, with no evidence of leakage, and were empty. The right main tank contained 20 gallons of fuel remaining. The left main tank had been ruptured at the accident site and was empty. Fuel was present on the ground around the airplane.

The source does not specify aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather conditions, or ATC involvement. No probable cause is stated.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12216. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.