Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Touch-and-Go Landings (N8399J)

Lovelock, NV, US

On July 23, 1996, a Beech J-35 (registration N8399J) operated by Harrell A. Hoskins was involved in an aviation accident near Lovelock, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel starvation. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing touch-and-go landings experienced an engine power loss at about 200 feet AGL. Postaccident examination revealed dry fuel system components. The pilot had been airborne for approximately 1.5 hours.

Accident Details

The pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings, performing 8 or 9 such maneuvers. After liftoff, at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine lost power and quit. The pilot reported that he had been airborne for approximately 1.5 hours.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that on previous takeoffs, at approximately 300 plus feet AGL, he would switch from the main fuel tank to the auxiliary tanks, fly out about 5 miles, and return. During the downwind leg of the pattern, he would switch from the auxiliary tanks back to the left main tank for the touch-and-go landing. He thought that he may have lost fuel flow when the engine quit; however, he did not visually check the fuel pressure gauge.

Postaccident Examination

Postaccident examination of the fuel distributor valve, fuel pump vapor return line, and the fuel pump outlet line revealed that they were dry.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06297. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.