Forced Landing Following Engine Power Loss

Casualties unknown • Xenia, OH, US

A pilot was forced to perform a wheels-up landing in a field after both engines lost power shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion.

What happened

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines. The pilot attempted to restore power by selecting different fuel tanks; however, the engines could not be restarted. Consequently, the pilot performed a wheels-up forced landing in a field located below the flight path.

During the preflight inspection, the pilot noted that there were 4.1 gallons of fuel in both the front left and right main fuel tanks. The pilot later stated that he had lost track of the number of flights flown that day and had failed to visually verify the fuel levels, ultimately stating that he "ran the airplane out of fuel."

The investigation

Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed a combined total of approximately 5 gallons of fuel remaining in the forward left and right tanks. The remaining four fuel tanks were found to be empty. According to manufacturer data from Beech, all fuel in this aircraft type is considered usable except for a combined 6 gallons located in the left and right forward tanks.

Probable cause

The engines lost power because the pilot ran the aircraft out of usable fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-05-01 Beech E18S accident near Xenia, OH?

A pilot was forced to perform a wheels-up landing in a field after both engines lost power shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-05-01 involved a Beech E18S, registration N665M, operated by Skydive Greene CO Inc, at Xenia, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines lost power because the pilot ran the aircraft out of usable fuel.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12296. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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