On June 4, 1994, a Beech C-23 (registration N18893) was involved in an aviation accident near Gary, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. A FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DELAY IN EMERGENCY PROCEDURES BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported engine power loss while on downwind leg, resulting in an off-airport landing where the aircraft's right wing struck a barbed wire fence. Investigation found no fuel in tanks.
Flight Sequence
Shortly after entering a downwind leg in the traffic pattern, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that he did not turn onto final approach until after another airplane on final approach had passed him. He then decided to make an off-airport landing because he was too far from the runway threshold.
Collision and Landing
During the off-airport landing, the airplane's right wing collided with a barbed wire fence before the aircraft struck the ground.
Fuel Status
The pilot reported departing with approximately 15 gallons of fuel in the right wing tank and between five to seven gallons in the left tank. However, the on-scene investigation revealed no fuel in either the left or right tanks. Additionally, no fuel odor was detected around the airplane or the fencing that was struck.