On November 9, 1996, a Beech V35B (registration N6026T) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbiana, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper use of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation, and his failure to select a tank with fuel for a restart, which resulted in a failure to restart the engine, a forced landing, and subsequent impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While cruising at 4,500 feet, the engine lost power. After restart attempts failed, the pilot performed a forced landing in a heavy vine patch to avoid power lines, resulting in substantial damage. The fuel selector was on the left tank, which appeared empty, while the right tank had fuel.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that the engine lost power while the airplane was in cruise flight at an altitude of 4,500 feet above mean sea level. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the engine did not restart. He then initiated a forced landing. To avoid impacting power lines, he was forced to land in a heavy vine patch. The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the forced landing.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, an FAA inspector examined the aircraft. During the inspection, the fuel selector switch was found positioned to the left tank. The inspector stated that the left fuel tank appeared empty. Additionally, a mechanic who removed the airplane from the crash site reported that there was no evidence of residual fuel coming from the fuel lines when he removed the left wing. However, when the mechanic removed the right wing, there was fuel remaining.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was identified in the accident report.
What happened in the 9 Nov 1996 Beech V35B accident near Columbiana, AL?
While cruising at 4,500 feet, the engine lost power. After restart attempts failed, the pilot performed a forced landing in a heavy vine patch to avoid power lines, resulting in substantial damage. The fuel selector was on the left tank, which appeared empty, while the right tank had fuel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Nov 1996 involved a Beech V35B, registration N6026T, at Columbiana, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's improper use of the fuel selector, which resulted in fuel starvation, and his failure to select a tank with fuel for a restart, which resulted in a failure to restart the engine, a forced landing, and subsequent impact with terrain. High obstructions and vegetation (heavy vines) in the emergency landing…
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