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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. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-04Data 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.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beech 35 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1996 Beech BE-35 accident near Minot, ND?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1996 Beech BE-35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1996 involved a Beech BE-35, registration N1368Z, at Minot, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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

More accident analyses

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.