On October 20, 1995, a Beech 23 (registration N2340J) operated by Eric M. Bright was involved in an aviation accident near Newnan, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loose fuel line fitting, which resulted in a fuel leak and premature emptying of the left fuel tank; failure of the pilot to follow the checklist (select the fullest fuel tank for landing); fuel starvation; and subsequent Loss of engine power, while on… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
On final approach to runway 32, an airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the left wing struck a tree. Investigation found the fuel selector on the left tank (empty) and a loose B-nut at the carburetor fuel line connection.
Incident Summary
During the final approach to runway 32, the airplane suffered a total loss of engine power. The pilot immediately initiated a forced landing. During the landing roll, the left wing of the aircraft contacted a tree. The pilot reported that the preflight inspection, engine run-up, and the preceding 30-minute flight were uneventful until the sudden power loss.
Examination Findings
An initial examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel tank selector was positioned to the left tank, which was empty. The right fuel tank was found to be full. The pilot stated that 60 gallons of fuel were onboard before departure. No evidence of spilled fuel was observed at the accident site. The before-landing checklist for a similar aircraft model (BE-A23) specifies that the fullest tank should be selected for landing. Further inspection uncovered a disconnected (loose) B-nut at the connection point where the fuel line attaches to the carburetor.