Accident Details
A Beech B35 sustained damage during a forced landing. According to reports, the engine lost power and began to sputter as the pilot changed fuel tanks.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found no preimpact part failure or malfunction. However, there was evidence that the pilot had not properly operated the airplane's fuel selector handle. Post-accident inspection revealed that the left fuel tank was full, with fuel gushing out when checked, while the right tank was found empty.
Fuel System Design
The aircraft's fuel system requires fuel to be used from the left tank first, allowing excess fuel that bypasses the engine to return to that tank. The fuel selector valve and hand fuel pump were combined. A red light on the instrument panel informed the pilot when the fuel selector was disengaged. The pilot reported that a red light had illuminated during the occurrence.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had logged approximately seven hours of flight time in this make and model. No record was found indicating that he had received training in the airplane or its fuel system.