Casualties unknown

1995-06-25: Beech 77 (N3737B) — Mcallen, TX

Mcallen, TX, US

On June 25, 1995, a Beech 77 (registration N3737B) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcallen, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper execution of the simulated forced landing recovery, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot mistakenly advanced the throttle to full during a simulated forced landing recovery, causing fuel starvation and an inverted crash.

What happened

The accident occurred during a training flight involving a simulated emergency procedure. According to the flight instructor's account, the crew was practicing a simulated forced landing maneuver. The scenario required the student pilot to manage the aircraft's energy state while approaching the ground.

At approximately 600 feet above ground level, the student pilot initiated the recovery phase of the exercise. Instead of smoothly applying power as intended for the simulation, the pilot abruptly shoved the throttle fully forward. This action caused an immediate and unintended depletion of fuel flow to the engine, effectively starving it of fuel during a critical low-altitude maneuver.

Recognizing the loss of power, the flight instructor took control of the aircraft to execute a forced landing. Despite the instructor's efforts to manage the descent, the airplane struck a fence post on the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to roll over, coming to rest in an inverted position.

The investigation

Post-acc examination revealed that the engine had been deprived of fuel due to the abrupt throttle movement. The physical damage was consistent with striking a fixed object at low altitude and subsequent rollover.

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper execution of the simulated forced landing recovery, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03719. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.