On April 23, 1995, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N6855Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Plant City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN VMC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the aircraft veered left; after rotation at 85 knots, the left engine lost power. The aircraft rolled inverted and crashed. Investigation found an open anti-slosh baffle zipper in the left main fuel cell allowed fuel unporting.
Incident Overview
After landing, the pilots performed four rapid right turns while taxiing back for another takeoff. During the subsequent takeoff roll, the airplane consistently veered to the left. Concerned about the remaining runway length, the pilots rotated at approximately 85 knots. Immediately after lift-off, the left engine lost power. The airplane then rolled inverted and crashed.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the left main fuel cell revealed that the anti-slosh baffle inspection zipper was open. This condition would allow unporting of the left main fuel supply pickup line, meaning the fuel pickup line could become uncovered due to fuel movement, leading to fuel starvation. The zipper is required to be opened during each annual inspection for internal inspection and then closed. The zipper appeared to be corroded.
Safety Information
The inspection zipper on the anti-slosh baffle must be properly closed after each annual inspection to prevent fuel unporting and potential engine power loss.