On April 15, 1995, a Beech 55-E55 (registration N577M) was involved in an aviation accident near Daytona Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MANAGE THE FUEL AVAILABLE IN FLIGHT BY IMPROPERLY SELECTING THE FUEL SELECTORS TO FUEL AVAILABLE IN OTHER TANKS, RESULTING IN BOTH ENGINES LOSING POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported fuel exhaustion and both engines quitting before the airplane crashed three miles from the airport, exploded, and burned for five hours. No fuel was found in the right fuel tanks.
Incident Overview
Approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes into the flight, the pilot informed air traffic controllers that the airplane had run out of fuel and that both engines had ceased operating. The aircraft subsequently crashed about three miles from the intended airport. Upon impact, the airplane exploded and continued to burn for roughly five hours.
Wreckage and Fuel Examination
The right wing separated from the fuselage after striking a tree during the crash sequence and was located outside the main wreckage area. Investigators found no fuel in the right main fuel tank or the right auxiliary fuel tank. Additionally, no fuel residue was detected on the ground or on vegetation near the right wing.
What happened in the 15 Apr 1995 Beech 55-E55 accident near Daytona Beach, FL?
A pilot reported fuel exhaustion and both engines quitting before the airplane crashed three miles from the airport, exploded, and burned for five hours. No fuel was found in the right fuel tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Apr 1995 involved a Beech 55-E55, registration N577M, at Daytona Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MANAGE THE FUEL AVAILABLE IN FLIGHT BY IMPROPERLY SELECTING THE FUEL SELECTORS TO FUEL AVAILABLE IN OTHER TANKS, RESULTING IN BOTH ENGINES LOSING POWER. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
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