Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss on Final Approach Leads to Off-Airport Landing (N1368Z)

Minot, ND, US

On September 23, 1996, a Beech BE-35 (registration N1368Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Minot, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot forgetting to switch the fuel tank. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

While on a three-mile final approach after a three-hour flight, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to switch fuel tanks and restart, but the engine would not start. The airplane landed 2 1/4 miles short of the runway.

Incident Overview

During a three-mile final approach to landing, following a three-hour flight, the airplane's engine sputtered and lost total power. The pilot switched to the right fuel tank and attempted to restart the engine, but it would not start.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that on the return flight, he had forgotten to switch the fuel tank to the right one before running out of fuel. He noted that he always performs this action but forgot on this occasion.

Landing and Post-Event

The airplane touched down 2 1/4 miles short of the runway. After the landing, the airplane's nose was blocked up, and following several turns, the engine started and ran with no discrepancies observed.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot forgetting to switch the fuel tank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06701. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.